Inland Empire wild donkey habitat at risk from housing developments and freeways

An Inland Empire nonprofit organization is looking for help as the large number of wild donkeys that they house continues to grow, as the creatures' natural habitat continues to be reduced by housing developments.

In late October, a group of nearly a dozen donkeys was spotted crossing the SR-60 Freeway in Moreno Valley. This, while not entirely out of the ordinary, drew a rescue response from DonkeyLand leaders.

"They're gonna be safe," said Chad Cheatham, the vice president of the nonprofit.

He and his wife, Amber, scooped the donkeys up from the off-ramp, where they had been caught on camera grazing close to the freeway during rush hour. He says that four of the burros had injuries to their legs, which may have come from being so close to the road.

Read more: San Bernardino Coun