A donkey named Diesel, who had gone missing during a hiking and hunting trip in 2018 near the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, was spotted years later living with a herd of wild Roosevelt elk in Northern California. The discovery was made by professional triathlete and bowhunter Max Fennell while scouting in the area. He captured photos showing Diesel grazing alongside the elk. Over time, it seems the donkey adapted completely to wild life and was accepted by the elk herd. Observers described him as healthy, relaxed, and clearly integrated into the group, exhibiting behaviors like grazing and roaming with the elk as though he were one of them. Wildlife officials and animal experts were amazed by Diesel's ability to survive alone for so long and develop a cross-species bond. The phenomenon is rare but not unheard of; donkeys are social animals, and Diesel likely found companionship and safety in the elk herd. Since he didn’t appear distressed or in danger, authorities chose not to interfere and allowed him to remain with the elk, effectively letting him “live his best life” in the wild.