Controlling Wild Donkey Population in San Bernardino Valley

Introduction to Wild Donkey Population Control

A new deal has been made between San Bernardino County and a nonprofit to help control the wild donkey population.
DonkeyLand Rescue said it’s hoping to help injured or orphaned donkeys with help from the county government. 
“We want to bring more in and get them out of harm’s way,” said Chad Cheatham, who runs DonkeyLand with his wife. 
Their nonprofit has been operating as a sanctuary for the animals in Moreno Valley for over a decade while promoting the coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The Challenge of Managing Wild Donkeys

Officials said it’s difficult to catch the wild donkeys because they are constantly on the move. The concern is that when the animals get near the road, they can cause problems.
“She had an injury. This leg was splinted. We had to change the splint because she got hit by a car and her mom died. She is a survivor,” Cheatham said.
And these rescue efforts are costly, according to Cheatham.
“We have never turned down one donkey that needed medical care from $100 to $1,000,” Cheatham said. “We take each one’s life very precious.”

Partnership for Population Management

To alleviate this financial burden and provide the organization with resources, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors initiated two significant contracts with DonkeyLand.
“First, is a non-financial contract that provides rescue and relocation services for injured, sick or orphaned high-risk burros,” said Luther Snoke, CEO of San Bernardino County. “The second contract funds the sterilization of 100 male burros for one year supporting population management and community safety.”
The wild burros are an asset to the county and serve many purposes including vegetation management to protect land from wildfires.
“We haven’t had a major fire where the donkeys roam free in a long time. There are fires around the area but they are great at vegetation management and they are part of the community,” Cheatham said.

Conclusion

The partnership between San Bernardino County and DonkeyLand Rescue is a significant step towards managing the wild donkey population in a humane and sustainable manner. By providing rescue and relocation services, as well as sterilization programs, the county is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of both the donkeys and the community. This initiative serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges with wild animal populations, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government agencies and nonprofit organizations in achieving effective wildlife management.

FAQs

• Q: What is the main goal of the partnership between San Bernardino County and DonkeyLand Rescue?
  A: The main goal is to control the wild donkey population in a humane manner, providing rescue and relocation services, and sterilization programs to manage population growth and mitigate risks to the community.
• Q: Why are wild burros considered an asset to the county?
  A: Wild burros are beneficial for vegetation management, which helps protect the land from wildfires. They also contribute to the local ecosystem and are valued as part of the community.
• Q: How does the sterilization program contribute to population management?
  A: The sterilization of male burros helps to control the population growth of wild donkeys, reducing the number of births and thereby decreasing the potential for conflicts between donkeys and humans, especially near roads.
• Q: What kind of support does DonkeyLand Rescue provide to the donkeys?
  A: DonkeyLand Rescue provides a sanctuary for injured, sick, or orphaned donkeys, offering medical care and rehabilitation services. They also promote the coexistence between humans and wildlife.