The legacy of Brighty the Burro just got more storied.
At the turn of the 20th century, the lone, partly tamed burro became well known to pioneers of the Grand Canyon for forging a trail along the rocky terrain before the geographic formation became a national park.
Brighty’s adventures carved a path from the top of the canyon to the bottom for travelers to follow, and his independent spirit became a legend in the Southwest.
A children’s novel about Brighty’s escapades, “Brighty of the Grand Canyon,” which included his interactions with President Theodore Roosevelt, was published in 1953 and further cemented his role in American folklore.
And now, a bronze statue of Brighty that has become synonymous with his adventures has endured a journey all of its own by surviving the flames of the Dragon Bravo fire, which since July 4 has ravaged Grand Canyon National Park and scores of structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge where Brighty greeted visitors for nearly six decades.
The National Park Service on Thursday shared a photo of the 600-pound bronze statue strapped in the bed of a pickup truck.
He was worse for wear — missing an ear and two front legs — but was mostly intact. His entire body was charred, and his shiny gold nose was stained a dark charcoal.
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The post Brighty the Burro, Beloved Grand Canyon Statue, Is Rescued From Wildfire appeared first on New York Times.
