Arizona DPS Trooper Rescues Day-Old Burro After Tragic Highway Incident
In a heartwarming tale of compassion and rescue, a day-old burro found himself in a precarious situation after his mother was tragically struck and killed on State Route 74 near Lake Pleasant in Arizona on September 5. It was the quick thinking and dedication of DPS Sgt. Roger Hansen, along with other troopers and Arizona Department of Transportation officials, that ultimately saved the young burro’s life.
Upon discovering the vulnerable newborn burro near the scene of the accident, the responders knew that he stood no chance of survival on his own. With determination and care, they decided to intervene. Their first step was to seek assistance from Stacie Thomas of One Step Wild Burros and Mustang Rescue. Fortunately, Ms. Thomas readily agreed to provide refuge for the young foal.
With the clock ticking, Hansen and his team wasted no time. They carefully loaded the burro into the back of a vehicle, ensuring his safety during transport. The journey led them to the rescue facility, where the next chapter of the burro’s life began.
Upon arrival at the rescue, Ms. Thomas skillfully matched the foal with a nursing mother burro, setting the stage for a heartwarming reunion. The newborn burro quickly found solace in the embrace of his adoptive mother, adapting to his new surroundings with remarkable ease. He began to thrive, enjoying the simple pleasures of a young burro’s life – eating, running, and playing.
In a touching tribute to the trooper who played a pivotal role in his rescue, the burro was lovingly named “Roger” after Sgt. Roger Hansen. It’s a name that carries the spirit of compassion and heroism that saved this young life.
As time progresses, a DPS trooper is poised to offer Roger a forever home once he is old enough to leave the rescue. It’s a heartwarming conclusion to a story of tragedy turned into triumph, where the bond between a brave trooper and an innocent burro now promises a bright future.