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Diesel the Donkey Disappears—Discovered Leading Elk Herd

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Author Waldemar Mopera

Donkeys in the open field.
Donkeys in the open field. Image via Pexels

In 2019, Diesel the donkey was just your average, lovable ranch pet in Northern California—until one hiking trip turned his entire life upside down.

While exploring the Cache Creek Wilderness near Auburn, Diesel was spooked by what his owners thought was a mountain lion. In a panicked bolt, he dragged his owner through thick brush, broke free, and disappeared into the wild. 

Despite search crews, drones, and a whole lot of hoof prints, Diesel couldn’t be found. The family held out hope, but five years passed without a sign of him. If this sounds like the beginning of a Disney movie, buckle up—because the plot twist is straight out of a wildlife documentary.

Diesel, Leader of the Elk?

A full-grown elk with notable antlers.
A full-grown elk with notable antlers. Image via Pexels

Fast forward to 2023. A group of hikers in the same wilderness snapped photos of a donkey roaming free… with an entire herd of wild elk.

Yes, you read that right. Diesel wasn’t just surviving—he was thriving. Not hiding from predators, but walking among giant elk like one of them, leading them.

Wildlife cameras caught Diesel trotting proudly at the front of the herd, tail swishing, ears alert. He looked healthy, even a bit regal. And the elk? They seemed to accept him as one of their own. Maybe they thought he was just a weird-looking short elk with long ears. Or maybe Diesel was calling the shots.

One particularly eyebrow-raising moment? In the same area, a mountain lion was found dead, likely killed by a hoofed animal. Donkeys are known to be aggressive defenders when provoked. So, did Diesel kick a predator to death? We’re not saying he did… but we’re also not saying he didn’t.

Letting Diesel Be Diesel

A donkey enjoys eating grass.
A donkey enjoys eating grass. Image via Pexels

Terrie and Dave Drewry, Diesel’s original owners, were blown away when they saw the footage. “Finally, we know he’s good,” Terrie told reporters. “He’s living his best life.” And after seeing how well he’d adapted, the family made a tough but loving choice: to let him stay wild.

The Bureau of Land Management and local officials agreed. Diesel was healthy, content, and clearly had figured things out on his own. After five years leading an elk crew through the California hills, he’d earned his freedom.

A New Folk Hero of the Foothills

Diesel’s tale has since spread online, and the internet did what it does best—turn him into a legend. Memes. Fan art. Someone even suggested he should run for mayor of the forest. (We’d vote for him.)

“Lost Donkey Seen With Herd of Elk,” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Inside Edition

But more than just a quirky headline, Diesel’s story is a reminder of how unpredictable—and kind of amazing—nature can be. One moment you’re munching hay in a backyard; the next, you’re charging through the wilderness with antlered beasts at your side.

Diesel didn’t just survive—he leveled up. And honestly? We’re all just trying to live a little more like Diesel.

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