In the United States the donkey was used as a beast of burden and for the breeding of mules, which are hybrids produced by mating mares and jackasses. Burros played a major role as pack animals in settling the western United States. From Spanish, borrico translates to “donkey,” and from late Latin burricus “small horse.” These burros live on the outskirts of Oatman, Arizona; and they are direct descendants from the gold miners that brought them to the area as pack animals. With the coming of World War II when many of the mines were shut down, the burros were set free to roam the hills. were set free. Since that time, they’ve been fruitful and multiplied. Digitally hand painted composite of images and photos created in Photoshop.