It is the only reserve in Mexico dedicated to the preservation of this endangered species.
The list of animals in danger of extinction is long and seems to be growing uncontrollably. We often hear about wild species in distant forests and deserts or at the bottom of the oceans; however, domestic species can also fall into that category. Unfortunately, the Mexican burrito is one of those animals.
Towards the year 1991, the population of donkeys in Mexico amounted to one and a half million copies; but this figure has been decreasing alarmingly. In fact, it is estimated that there are only less than 300 thousand burritos left today; which means that in 30 years, 75% of the population of burritos has disappeared. Many people, concerned about this unfortunate situation in which the species finds itself, decided to do something about it.
This is how Burrolandia México AC was born .
It is a non-profit civil association, dedicated to the care and protection of the Mexican donkey. In 2006 , Germán Flores Sauza founded this, which is the first burrito sanctuary in the entire American continent. It is located in the town of Otumba , in the State of Mexico, just 10 minutes from the pyramids of Teotihuacán .
Burrolandia began with only two burritos that were rescued from a situation of abuse, but currently has more than 80 copies . In fact, all the burritos are rescued from bad conditions such as abandonment, mistreatment and the slaughterhouse; or even, there are people who donate them because they can no longer take care of them. But not only that, because the burrito community has also grown because some are born in the sanctuary.
The Mexican donkey is considered a working animal; still used in some parts of the country. However, the useful animal is associated with an idea of economic backwardness, which is why many peasants have stopped using their services, and have also stopped caring for them. Due to this “rejection”, the burrito population began to drastically decrease because, as they were no longer so needed for work, the concern for their well-being and reproduction ceased to be important.
In Burrolandia, all the specimens are protected and no longer need to work or receive mistreatment from their owners. The sanctuary has specialized personnel such as veterinarians to attend to all the needs of the 80 burritos. They receive good food and, of course, a lot of love from the workers and from all the people who visit them.
Yes, you can visit Burrolandia and live with the beautiful community of burritos.
One way to support this noble cause is by visiting the sanctuary. Since it is a non-profit, non-governmental organization , Burrolandia is sustained thanks to donations from people and preservation tourism. In other words, those who visit the farm help keep the project going. All the activities offered by the sanctuary are for the benefit of the burritos.
The entrance to the place has a cost of 100 Mexican pesos and there you can buy carrots so that you can feed the specimens yourself. Of course, they also have a cafeteria for humans to enjoy a nice meal and then they can go to the souvenir shop to pick up some precious souvenirs. With all the money, the 2.5 hectares of land are maintained , the animals are fed and the wages of the people who work in the place are paid.
In Burrolandia you will find many activities that will teach you everything about the Mexican burrito. Not only will you be able to live with the animals but you will also learn about their origin and their history to this day, the causes of their extinction and the stories of each of the donkeys that live in the place. Without a doubt, visiting the sanctuary is an unforgettable experience.
The farm is located at Calle Estación no. 6, in Otumba State of Mexico . Visiting hours are from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the afternoon and the entrance fee is 100 pesos.
Burrolandia has many wonderful things to offer and the efforts of all involved are certainly paying off. Dare to visit the sanctuary and do your bit to preserve the Mexican burrito.
