Diesel, a donkey missing since 2019 from Northern California’s Cache Creek Wilderness, has reemerged in an unexpected twist of fate, now seen thriving among a herd of wild elk. Triathlete and hunter Max Fennell captured the astonishing sight on camera during a recent hunting trip, sharing the footage on Instagram in March.
“I stumbled upon a herd of elk that have taken in a donkey,” Fennell wrote alongside the video. “Witnessing it was surreal, and I’m amazed to see the donkey looking content and healthy.”
The heartwarming scene unfolded just miles from where Diesel vanished while hiking with Dave Drewry in 2019. Despite exhaustive efforts, including searches on foot and with drone assistance, Diesel remained elusive until now.
Terrie Drewry, one of Diesel’s owners, confirmed his identity in the video to CBS Sacramento, expressing immense relief and joy at seeing him apparently flourishing in the wild.
“He’s living his best life,” Terrie Drewry remarked. “Happy, healthy—it’s simply a relief.”
Another video, shared by user Mikki Rhodes on Instagram, further depicted Diesel wandering alongside elk, prompting elation from his owners who were delighted to witness his thriving state.
Diesel’s ability to adapt to life in the wilderness stems from his origins as a wild donkey adopted through the Bureau of Land Management’s program. This initiative permits the public to adopt animals captured during federal roundups aimed at managing wild horse and donkey populations on public lands.
The saga of Diesel serves as a testament to resilience and the enduring bond between humans and animals, showcasing his remarkable ability to navigate and thrive independently in the rugged landscapes of Northern California.