SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — For many years, vacationers had been capable of have their footage taken with so known as “Zonkeys” alongside Tijuana’s Avenida Revolución — an attraction animal rights activists known as merciless because the animals had been compelled to face for lengthy hours with out a lot meals or water.
Zonkeys are a cross between a zebra and a burro, though these animals had been striped with black and white paint, one thing critics contend additionally damages the fur and pores and skin.
This 12 months, nonetheless, the town determined to finish the custom and compelled the animals into retirement, changing them with picket replicas again in September.
In line with the town of Tijuana, the zonkeys have been moved to a ranch close to Ensenada the place they are going to be taken care of and won’t be used as props for footage anymore.
In June 2023, the town confiscated the animals accusing the homeowners of mistreating the zonkeys.
With strain from the town, and as a approach to keep away from animal cruelty fees and fines, the earlier homeowners determined to donate the animals in change for visitation rights.
The rescue facility has 11 acres of open house and is operated by a household that rehabilitates horses and burros.
“Now they’re roaming free of their pure habitat,” stated Alejandro Sandoval, proprietor of the ranch.
In line with Sandoval, the earlier homeowners are being inspired to go to frequently to assist the animals adapt faster.
“In case you depart a burro who has been with you for a few years and also you abandon it, the burro may die of disappointment. They develop an actual attachment to their homeowners similar to different pets, similar to a canine.”