May is Burro Awareness Month

Posted on 05/07/2026

May is recognized as Burro Awareness Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and protecting wild burros in the American West. Established in 2012 by American Wild Horse Conservation, this awareness month highlights the ecological and cultural importance of these resilient animals, particularly around World Donkey Day on May 8.

Key Aspects of Burro Awareness Month:

Purpose: To educate the public about wild burros—which are distinct from domesticated donkeys—and fight for their protection against federal mismanagement.
Cultural Significance: Burros have a long history in North America, aiding explorers and mining pioneers as beasts of burden.
Resilience: Burros are specialized for arid, rugged environments, featuring unique digestive systems that allow them to thrive where other animals cannot.
Action Needed: Advocates use this month to urge for the protection of burros against large-scale removals, such as bait-trap roundups conducted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Burro Week, often celebrated in early May, typically coincides with World Donkey Day on May 8, offering opportunities for events, education, and storytelling about these often-overlooked animals.