The Mexican theme park “Burrolandia” (Donkeyland) was created in 2006 and is aimed at caring for and protecting donkeys from extinction.
A census conducted in 1991 indicated that there were around 1.5 million donkeys in the country. However, the donkey population in Mexico has declined considerably. It is now estimated that there are less than 300,000 donkeys left in Mexico , which means that a 75% of the donkey population has disappeared in only 25 years.
The theme park has 37 donkeys that were rescued from mistreatment or abandonment. Some of them have also been donated by people who do not want them anymore or who are unable to care for them.
Burrolandia México A.C.
organizes guided tours within and outside the theme park facility regularly in order to pay for their expenses.
The theme park is located in Otumba, Mexico State, a place known for its ancient ‘pulque’ tradition in the Teotihuacán valley. In fact, people in the region celebrate Donkey Day on May 1st each year.
Donkeyland activities
The theme park offers rides on a train decorated with donkey ears and tail. A specialized guide will tell you the story of how donkeys first arrived in the American continent after the conquest, the causes of their population decline, their eating habits, their life expectancy, and all about the different donkey species in the world.
Raúl Flores, administrator of Burrolandia México
, said in an interview that “donkeys are extremely intelligent creatures, which is ironic because in Mexico, the word donkey is often associated with clumsiness and stupidity.”
After the train ride, you’ll be able to see the donkeys at the theme park’s sanctuary. The youngest specimen is called Valentín . He was born on February 14th and is three months old. There is another donkey called Florindo who had his ears mutilated with a razor blade. Raul tells that when this donkey first came into the park, he was very fearful. Fortunately, he has recovered from his past trauma.
During the tour, you’ll be able to feed the animals. Be sure to bring your own carrots or buy some of the food offered at the sanctuary.
The theme park also features a tram tour that will take you to some of Otumba’s most iconic locations, including its historic monuments, ancient convents, and museums.
There is also a special tour through Otumba’s most famous pulque shops, where you’ll be able to taste this ancient beverage and learn about its history.
The Burrolandia Restaurant is decorated with vehicles from the 1950. The menu includes “burritos” of different flavors, all sorts of candy, xoconostle (a special marmalade made of prickly pear), and mixiote.
The theme park also offers pulque of different flavors.
“Our goal in the short term is to have a donkey reserve with 50 specimens. After that, we will donate any new donkeys to people who meet certain criteria so that we may expand the donkey population to other parts of the country," he claimed.
The entrance fee is MXN$50 (USD$2.55) and includes a train tour. For all other tours, you must make a reservation by calling (044) 771 205 3806 or 55 20 83 9196 in Mexico City.
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