Diesel (donkey)

Diesel was born in the wild in Nevada around 2016.[1][2] He was captured and adopted from the Bureau of Land Management by Terrie and Dave Drewry, who took him to their ranch near Auburn. He lived on their ranch for around three years alongside chickens, sheep, llamas, and a miniature donkey named Jack. Diesel would respond to his name[3][4] and enjoyed treats, including carrots, apples, unsalted peanuts, and horse cookies.[5] His human mother indicated that Diesel was not aggressive, saying "he's a lover".[6]

On April 20, 2019, Diesel accompanied his human father Dave Drewry and a black llama on a weekend excursion in the Cache Creek Wilderness near the Judge Davis Trail by Wilson Flat. During the hike, something spooked Diesel and he bolted, dragging Drewry through the brush. Diesel's blue saddlebags were still attached when he ran off.[3][5] Terrie later speculated that a mountain lion may have spooked him.[7]

A weeks-long search for the donkey was conducted by the Drewry's and volunteers with SWARM Search and Rescue.[5] Aerial drones and horses were deployed in the search,[3] but they were unsuccessful in locating the donkey. On May 9, Diesel was seen in an image from a trail camera near the Judge Davis Trailhead.[2][8] Hoofprints were also discovered that may have belonged to Diesel.[9]

Diesel resurfaced over four years later. He was videoed traveling with a herd of elk in September 2023.[10] A 2024 video taken by hunter Max Fennell depicted the donkey as part of an elk herd that had at least 12 individuals. The video, taken a few miles from the area where Diesel had disappeared, circulated on social media sites such as Instagram. After seeing the video, Terrie Drewry positively identified the donkey as Diesel. She said "Finally, we know he's good. He's living his best life. He's happy. He's healthy, and it was just a relief."[9] According to Drewry, Diesel has protected the elk herd, killing coyotes and possibly a mountain lion.[7] There are no plans to attempt to recapture Diesel.[11]