For decades, the iconic “Zonkeys” of Tijuana were a quirky staple of Avenida Revolución, posing for photos with tourists against painted backdrops. But behind the charm of these zebra-striped burros lay a troubling reality that animal rights activists had criticized for years: long hours under harsh conditions, inadequate food and water, and the damaging practice of painting stripes onto the animals’ fur.
This year, Tijuana officials brought the tradition to an end, retiring the Zonkeys and replacing them with wooden replicas in September. The city cited animal welfare concerns as the driving force behind the decision, and in June 2023, it confiscated the animals, accusing their owners of mistreatment.
A New Home for the Zonkeys
The Zonkeys have now been relocated to a ranch near Ensenada, where they will live out their days in peace. The rescue facility, spanning 11 acres of open space, is operated by a family specializing in the rehabilitation of horses and burros. Alejandro Sandoval, the ranch’s owner, expressed his excitement about the Zonkeys’ new chapter.
“Now they are roaming free in their natural habitat,” Sandoval said, noting that the animals are thriving in the open environment.
A Collaborative Effort to Ensure Their Well-Being
The move to the ranch was not without compromise. To avoid animal cruelty charges and fines, the previous owners donated the Zonkeys to the rescue facility. As part of the arrangement, they were granted visitation rights to maintain a connection with the animals, a decision supported by Sandoval.
“If you leave a burro who has been with you for many years and you abandon it, the burro could die of sadness,” Sandoval explained. “They develop a real attachment to their owners just like other pets, such as a dog.”
The owners are encouraged to visit regularly to help the Zonkeys adapt to their new surroundings and prevent emotional distress.
A Humane Shift in Tijuana’s Tourism Scene
The retirement of the Zonkeys marks a significant shift in Tijuana’s approach to tourism. While the painted Zonkeys had been a symbol of the city for years, their new life at the ranch represents a step toward more humane practices and an acknowledgment of the concerns raised by animal welfare advocates.
As the Zonkeys settle into their new home near Ensenada, they stand as a reminder of the importance of treating animals with dignity and respect—a welcome change for a beloved, if controversial, piece of Tijuana’s cultural history.
