Sacramento, California – Diesel, the beloved donkey who disappeared during a hike near his home outside Sacramento five years ago, has been found alive and well. His owners, who had long feared the worst, were overjoyed when a video surfaced showing their long-lost pet living among a herd of elk in the northern California wilderness.

In 2019, Diesel’s escape left his owners, the Drewry family, heartbroken and desperate for his safe return. “He’s not aggressive, he’s a lover,” Terrie Drewry told CNN affiliate KOVR just days after Diesel went missing. “But right now, he’s scared.”

Despite extensive searches and numerous efforts to locate Diesel, years passed without any sign of the missing donkey. Hope began to wane, but earlier this year, a glimmer of it emerged in an unlikely place. A hunter captured footage of a herd of elk, and among them, a solitary wild burro stood out.

Terrie Drewry is certain that the burro in the video is her Diesel. “Finally we saw him,” she told KOVR this month after the Instagram video gained widespread attention. “Finally, we know he’s good. He’s living his best life. He’s happy. He’s healthy, and it was just a relief.”

Diesel’s journey began when the Drewry family adopted him from the Bureau of Land Management. He spent his early years on their ranch, enjoying the company of chickens, a llama, and a miniature donkey. His peaceful existence was abruptly interrupted by his unexpected escape.

The video has not only brought relief to the Drewry family but has also captivated the hearts of many who followed Diesel’s story. It’s not every day that a domesticated donkey integrates into the wild, much less with a herd of elk.

While it remains unclear how Diesel managed to survive and thrive in the wild, his story is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. The Drewrys, now reassured of his well-being, are considering the next steps in potentially bringing Diesel back home or ensuring his continued safety in his newfound habitat.

For now, Diesel’s tale is a heartwarming reminder of the unpredictable and often incredible journeys that life can take. His adventure from a ranch donkey to a wild burro living among elk is one that will be remembered and celebrated by his family and animal lovers alike.