Don and I went to visit a new friend at the Kiva Donkey Rescue in Bernardo yesterday.
Our handsome friend’s name is Denali. He measures almost 17 hands, yet he’s a gentle, gentle soul. To put Denali’s size into perspective, Don is 6′ 2″ tall.
Denali’s size was a bit intimidating, but he let me pick up his feet.. and he put his head on my shoulder while I rubbed his ears. He loved having his ears rubbed.
Denali and his friends thoroughly enjoyed the apples and carrots we brought for them.
Denali hasn’t been feeling very well lately, so please send lots of positive, loving thoughts his way.
He deserves them.
♥ ♥ ♥
Morning Bray Farm 
October 10, 2011 at 4:20 am
A big special delivery of good thoughts and love is on its way…. it´s aother “D” Justina!
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October 10, 2011 at 4:20 am
I ment “another”..
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October 10, 2011 at 5:34 am
I read Denali’s story a few days ago. Is there any good news for him sense then?
Lots of good vibes going his way.
He is a big one isn’t he? 🙂
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October 10, 2011 at 6:55 am
Mel,
No news yet. Denali has an appointment to see a vet here in Albuquerque this Thursday. Fingers crossed for him.
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October 10, 2011 at 5:42 am
Denali is one big guy, I’ve never even been close to a horse that big. I hope he feels better soon!
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October 10, 2011 at 6:50 am
I read about Denali’s medical issues on facebook recently. Why am I not surprised that you went to visit him?
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October 10, 2011 at 6:54 am
Carson,
Because you know us? 🙂 Turns out, Denali has an appointment with Dr. Dralle on Thursday, so fingers crossed.
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October 10, 2011 at 7:09 am
Sending the very best thoughts to Denali. He is very handsome indeed:-)
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October 10, 2011 at 8:12 am
I am totally in love with this big guy. I hope the very best for him. He is in my dreams.
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October 10, 2011 at 8:17 am
I didn’t know burros got that big- I’ve seen mules that size. Is his health problem related to his size?
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October 11, 2011 at 11:38 am
Shirley,
I think possibly, yes.
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October 10, 2011 at 8:27 am
Poor boy. Sure hope all goes well for him. I’ve never seen a donkey that big. Mule, yes, but not a donkey.
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October 10, 2011 at 8:31 am
Oh, get well soon, Denali. You are majestic and huge, just like the national park that shares your name!
(I think I’m in love with you)
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October 10, 2011 at 8:57 am
Denali is a beautiful mammoth jack. I hope he gets to feeling better soon!!!
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October 10, 2011 at 9:47 am
Oh my goodness Denali is so very handsome! There is a special place in my heart for the Mammoths. Sending prayers and healing energy his way.
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October 10, 2011 at 10:55 am
Don and Denali look fantastic together. I can see there is a great chemistry between them. Hoping for the best!
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October 10, 2011 at 11:26 am
I couldn’t find his “story”. Could you give us a link? …is this an abnormal size or are some bred to be this big?
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October 11, 2011 at 11:48 am
Margaret,
From what I’ve been able to find, Denali is large for a mammoth. From The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy:
Mammoth Jacks are sturdy and tall, with massive legs and large, well-made heads. The ears are especially long, often measuring 33″ from tip to tip. Selection has always been made for size and substance. Traditionally, males were expected to stand at least 14.2 hands (58″) high at the withers and females 14 hands (56″). Many animals were taller than this. The weight varied with the height and ranged between 900 and 1,200 pounds.
Denali is almost 17 hh.
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October 10, 2011 at 11:41 am
I love this big guy !! hope he gets well soon would love to hug him
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October 10, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Oh, my goodness! He is a beautiful and majestic boy, isn’t he? Hugs and best wishes for Denali. I do hope he will be ok.
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October 10, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Denali looks like an absolute sweetheart. He has one of my favourite names, too! I do hope he overcomes whatever ails him, so he can go home with you and live with all the other critters on your farm.
…oh yea, like you never thought about that…you’re so busted.
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October 10, 2011 at 11:32 pm
Oh my goodness – your fifth photo down is an incredible shot of Denali’s size. I don’t know I’ve ever seen a donkey, let alone been close to a horse, that size.
Could you forward me (or post a link to) the article on him? I had not heard of him, but would be very interested in knowing more. He’s gorgeous and I’m sending him my most powerful healing thoughts and wishes. Sweet boy.
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October 14, 2011 at 8:27 am
Sending good vibes that Denali (what a great name!) feel better, soonest.
It looks like he’s ready to go home with Don…….. 🙂
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