Burro Palooza Adoption Event Coming to Willcox

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for good homes for wild burros during the upcoming Wild Horse and Burro Awareness Week “Burro Palooza” adoption and sale events. These events aim to place wild burros, primarily gathered from the deserts of central and western Arizona, into caring homes.

One of the featured events will take place in Willcox, Arizona, at Quail Park on March 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 5 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will showcase training demonstrations by Arizona Department of Corrections inmate trainers at 11 a.m. on the first day. Trained animals featured in these demonstrations will also be available for sale and auction. While trained horses may not be available at the Willcox event, trained burros and untrained burros will be offered for adoption.

Most burros at the event will be untrained and available on a first-come, first-served basis for $125 each. Trained burros will start at $500, with prices increasing depending on interest.

For those who have previously purchased animals through the BLM’s Online Corral, pickup arrangements can be coordinated to coincide with the Willcox event.

Adoption Information:

Adopters are encouraged to apply online through the BLM’s Online Corral prior to the event. To qualify, individuals must:

- Be 18 years of age or older.

- Have approved facilities for housing the animals.

- Provide proper transportation to take the animals home.

BLM staff will load the animals into a BLM-approved trailer provided by the adopter. For more details on adoption and purchase qualifications, call the BLM at 1-866-4MUSTANGS (1-866-468-7826) or visit the Florence Off-Range Facility webpage.

What to Expect:

All animals available for adoption have been evaluated by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed, and have a current negative Coggins test. Wild horses and burros are known for their sure-footedness, strength, and intelligence. With patience and kindness, these animals can be trained for a variety of uses.

About Wild Horse and Burro Awareness Week:

Wild Horse and Burro Awareness Week, celebrated from March 1 to March 8, highlights the importance of these animals and their place in American history. The week is centered around the March 5 birthday of Velma Bronn Johnston, also known as “Wild Horse Annie,” whose advocacy was key to the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (Public Law 92-195). This legislation protects wild horses and burros on public lands across the western United States.

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