The Claremore Expo Center in Oklahoma was bustling with activity on July 12 as wild horses and donkeys were up for adoption. These animals, originally from the western United States, were brought to Oklahoma in hopes of finding new homes. The adoption event was organized by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the management of these large animals.
One of the attendees, horse trainer Patricia Adams, expressed her admiration for the wild horses, calling them „phenomenal.“ These horses and donkeys were rounded up from the wild due to oversized herds and the need to protect resources in their natural habitats. Despite their wild origins, these animals can be trained and gentled, becoming valuable additions to ranches or farms.
Kristine Dedolph, a representative from the bureau, highlighted the suitability of Oklahoma for these animals. With its abundant land, natural resources, and thriving agriculture industry, Oklahoma provides an ideal environment for the wild horses and donkeys to thrive. The adoption fee for these animals started at $125, and the event featured an auction-style format where attendees could bid on their preferred animals.
Adams emphasized the importance of providing these animals with good homes, noting that they require food sources and care that may not be readily available in the wild. Additionally, she mentioned the valuable role that burros play as protectors on farms, citing her own experience with a burro that safeguarded her sheep.
As the adoptions commenced, the excitement was palpable, with the donkeys hee-hawing in anticipation. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management also offered an incentive for adopters, with ranchers eligible for a $1000 reward if they obtain ownership papers and a vet check after a year. Many ranchers eagerly participated in the adoption day, expressing their love for these animals and their willingness to provide them with a loving home.
The adoption event on July 12 saw most of the animals finding new homes, with additional auctions scheduled for July 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. The opportunity to adopt these wild horses and donkeys not only benefits the animals themselves but also offers ranchers the chance to welcome unique and valuable additions to their properties. The bond between humans and these wild animals is a testament to the enduring connection between man and nature.
