Pet Donkey that Vanished Five Years Ago is Spotted Living with a Herd of Elk in California

In an extraordinary turn of events, Diesel, a pet donkey that vanished five years ago, has been discovered living among a herd of wild elk in California. 

This heartwarming and unexpected reunion was documented when professional triathlete Max Fennell stumbled upon the unusual sight during a hunting trip in March.

Diesel's story began in 2019 during a routine hike with his owner, Terrie Drewry. Something startled Diesel, causing him to bolt and disappear into the vast Cache Creek Wilderness, a sprawling 30,000-acre rural area. 

Despite tireless searches by Terrie and her husband Dave, Diesel remained elusive, with only occasional signs such as hoof marks and a glimpse on a trail camera hinting at his presence.

The Drewrys had adopted Diesel from the Bureau of Land Management, and he had been a cherished member of their ranch before his sudden disappearance. 

The loss of Diesel was a significant blow to the family, who had almost given up hope of ever finding their beloved pet again.

The breakthrough came when Fennell, out hunting, captured a video of the herd of elk accompanied by a solitary donkey. 

"I just spotted these elk and there’s a donkey with them," Fennell can be heard saying in the clip, which he later posted on Instagram. 

The video shows the herd, including Diesel, stopping momentarily to gaze at the camera before trotting away together. 

"Probably one of my wildest hunting trips to date," Fennell captioned the video, expressing his amazement at seeing Diesel looking healthy and content.

For Terrie Drewry, seeing the video brought a wave of relief and joy. "He’s truly a wild burro now," she remarked, reflecting on Diesel's transformation. 

Despite the opportunity to bring Diesel back home, Drewry decided against it, acknowledging that donkeys are capable of surviving independently in the wild. 

"Finally we saw him. Finally, we know he’s good. He’s living his best life. He’s happy. He’s healthy, and it was just a relief," she said.

The unexpected friendship between Diesel and the elk herd also fascinated Drewry. 

"They learned to get along and be each other’s family," she commented, highlighting the unique bond that had formed over the years.

Diesel's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of animals. 

His journey from a missing pet to a wild burro thriving in the wilderness is a remarkable example of nature's unpredictability. 

While the Drewrys miss their pet, they find comfort in knowing that Diesel has found a new family and is living a happy, healthy life in the wild.