ourwishlist

WELL FOR WATER (top priority!!!)
Our mountain spring has insufficient flow in summer to provide all of the water needs. Hauling water up to the sanctuary is terribly costly in time, vehicle maintenance and fuel. A well is especially critical in cases of fighting wildfires and would also allow irrigation of native plants to enhance burro forage and wildlife habitat. (see the video #4 on "about WBR" page for more information).

A LARGE BARN
The barn would be used as an infirmary with bathing racks, birthing stalls (many rescued jennies are pregnant at capture), and general feeding areas during foul weather.

BURRO TOYS
Burros love to play. Especially with “jolly balls” that enrich their lives, eliminate boredom and stimulate their natural learning and social abilities.

WINTER BLANKETS
Elderly burros and horses have difficulty maintaining optimal weight during cold weather and can not grow an adequate coat for winter warmth.

PORTABLE SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
To provide power for a computer and lighting for shelters, remote areas of the sanctuary and during rescue missions in desolate desert back country.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
Our computer, computer operator and internet web-site are over 100 miles away from the sanctuary at this time. Internet access and networking are vital to the success of WBR. Satellite telephone could easily mean the difference between life and death especially during the inferno of summer when water trapping rescue is employed in the most remote and rugged areas of Death Valley National Park.

TRACTORS
If we had a small, reliable, 4-wheel drive tractor with a loader and dump trailer we might be able to lay aside shovels.

NEW ROOF
Trying to sleep in the ranch house a night we are deafened by the munching of termites in the 37 year old tin and 2x4 roof, terrified that the next gust of wind will have us in the open air.

WORK CREWS
Enthusiastic volunteers or paid workers are necessary for clearing rocks from our pastures, building stone walls, landscaping, road improvements and making room for new burros. Crews will require a place to sleep; bunk bed for our bunk house or tents for our (planned) campground, blankets or sleeping mattresses, pads, etc.

MORE MONEY
No one gets paid at WBR ranch. There is no health, dental, or retirement plan. All of out assets are debts. We eat beans by candle light and carry our water. Nearly all of our time is spent caring for the animals. Without more funds there is no time for labor-intensive improvements and quality time with the burros, horses and mules’ we are often too tired for burro snuggling , our hobby! More money means more room for our burros and better living conditions for our animals and our volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS
Brave, trustworthy, hard workers who love and respect the burros as well as all life. Laboring for food, shelter, love and fun.

ATV
so that we can attach a small flat-bed to it in order to haul hay around to the various stations near the corrals!