A beloved bronze sculpture that has been a fixture at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim for over 50 years has survived a devastating wildfire and is now being relocated to safety. Brighty the Burro, a historic sculpture dedicated to a real-life donkey who lived in the Grand Canyon in the early 1900s, partially survived the flames of the massive Dragon Bravo Fire, with most of the top half remaining intact.
According to the Grand Canyon National Park Service, crews were able to photograph the sculpture after the fire, confirming that significant portions survived the blaze. The bronze burro is now preparing for a journey to the South Rim, where it will become part of the agency's Museum Collection while specialists assess its condition and determine the best path forward for restoration.
The sculpture holds deep historical and cultural significance for visitors to the Grand Canyon. For decades, hikers have made it a tradition to rub Brighty's nose before heading out on their adventures, making the burro an iconic symbol of the North Rim experience. The bronze artwork commemorates a real donkey who became legendary for his life in the Grand Canyon during the early 20th century.
Nearly a month ago, fears about the sculpture's fate intensified when the Grand Canyon Historical Society shared an image on Facebook that appeared to show Brighty severely damaged by the fire. The photograph suggested the sculpture had been badly burned, leading many to believe it was lost forever to the Dragon Bravo Fire that swept through the area.
Now that the sculpture has been recovered, museum specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether Brighty can be restored to his former glory or if a new version will need to be created to take his place at the Grand Canyon Lodge. The assessment process will be crucial in deciding how to preserve this important piece of Grand Canyon history for future generations.
While the timeline for determining the sculpture's ultimate fate remains unclear, park officials have emphasized that Brighty's legacy as a North Rim icon will continue regardless of the outcome. The beloved burro has become more than just a sculpture – it represents the enduring spirit of the Grand Canyon and the connection between visitors and this natural wonder that has lasted for more than half a century.
