Bright Angel of the Grand Canyon

Chili

The rescue of Chili the burro this week (scroll down) really brought to mind the story of a famous burro in Arizona’s history. Named after the canyon he wintered in, this friendly little burro was made famous by Marguerite Henry’s Brighty of the Grand Canyon first published in 1953.

Brighty was brought to Grand Canyon during the 1870’s gold rush along with other burros by prospectors to haul their dreamed of mother lode. They found mostly copper, zinc, lead and asbestos, though not enough to strike it rich. Eventually prospectors abandoned the canyon, and many burros as well.

From Grand Canyon National Park archives

Brighty was not wild, yet not entirely tame either. A true free spirit, he survived winters in the canyon and spent summers on the Kaibab plateau. Brighty chose his friends carefully and sometimes agreed to carry a load in exchange for pancakes.

"Uncle Jim" Owens & Brighty from Grand Canyon National Park archives

When “Uncle Jim” Owens came to the north rim of Grand Canyon in 1906 to work as a game warden for the Forest Service he befriended Brighty. In 1917, Elizabeth McKee, along with husband Thomas and son Robert, set up the first tourist facilities on the north rim and Brighty frequently helped Robert haul water.

Robert McKee & Brighty from Grand Canyon National Park archives

Bright Angel of the Grand Canyon has been immortalized by a life-size bronze sculpture located in the Sun Room of the Grand Lodge. Stop by and rub his nose for good luck.

Bronze Brighty in Grand Lodge

I highly recommend reading Henry’s book, it’s not just for children. And of course visit Grand Canyon National Park. However, the road into the North Rim officially closed on December 1st, so you’ll have to enjoy the South Rim, which is open all year, until about mid-May when the North Rim should reopen. Hope to see you there.

Gaelyn at work taken by G. Varga

Oh yea, this cement burro lives in my yard.

Burro Rescue

On the way home from the post office, we saw S just off the road walking her.......

.....burro

Actually this little fellow, named Chili, has been free ranging with cows all summer, and not always on the range. Cows and burro were seen all over the neighborhood. Now that the cows have been brought off the range poor Chili has been all alone.

This 14 year old burro belonged to someone who moved away, a pet since birth. Many in town have voiced a concern that Chili would be hit crossing the busy highway. S has been trying to catch this adorable burro for weeks and make sure he gets a good home.

Gaelyn & Chili

Berta and I burro sat in S’s backyard while she went to talk to a local rancher about moving Chili to his new home at Muleshoe Animal Clinic. And he won’t be alone as there are three other burros living there.

Chili acts like an overgrown dog lazily walking on a leash. He happily crunched down carrots and apples while leaning into head scratches. His soft gray wavy coat contrasts with the chocolate brown cross created by the mane and back-stripe right into his tail. His huge ears are two-tone. Plus his big brown eyes......

Very cute. No room at my house for a burro. I’m just glad that S rescued Chili and found him a good home.