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Moreno Valley, Calif. — Cupid, a young wild burro, is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove an arrow from her lung. This incident marks the latest in a string of disturbing attacks targeting the local burro population.
Last Wednesday, the two-year-old burro was found wandering with her herd, an arrow protruding from her right shoulder. Animal services and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department swiftly intervened, transporting Cupid to receive emergency care.
According to Chad Cheatham, vice president of DonkeyLand, a local non-profit rescue organization, the arrow had punctured the burro’s lung. Thankfully, Cupid is now stable and on the mend.
Once fully recovered, she will join other rescued burros at DonkeyLand’s expansive 2,000-acre sanctuary.
DonkeyLand is offering a substantial $24,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for at least six bow attacks on burros in recent months. The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is actively investigating and urges anyone with information to come forward.
Wild burros, a protected species and iconic symbol of the American Southwest, have roamed freely in Moreno Valley for decades, even contributing to wildfire prevention by grazing on dry brush in fire-prone areas. While generally docile, they can occasionally cause minor disturbances, such as eating residents’ flowers or obstructing traffic when people stop to feed them.
The arrows used in the attacks are broadheads, typically employed for hunting. The first incident occurred in mid-June, with subsequent attacks following shortly after. Several other burros, including a pair of young foals, have also been targeted.
This recent spate of attacks underscores the vulnerability of these beloved animals. Last year, in a separate incident, two men were convicted for killing wild burros in the Mojave Desert. The ongoing investigation in Moreno Valley highlights the urgent need to protect these gentle creatures and bring the perpetrators to justice.