Brighty the Burro, a heavy bronze statue that once welcomed visitors to the Grand Canyon Lodge on the park’s North Rim, has survived a devastating wildfire but not without damage. The 600-pound sculpture lost an ear and its front legs, yet its head and body remain mostly intact after the fire reduced the nearly 100-year-old lodge to rubble.
The wildfire, known as the Dragon Bravo Fire, started from lightning strikes in early July. It burned fiercely for about a week before growing rapidly, forcing evacuations and destroying the lodge along with many cabins. Despite the National Park Service’s efforts, shifting winds and harsh weather conditions made fighting the fire especially tough. Crews across the western U.S. have faced similar challenges, with dozens of large fires currently active and thousands of firefighters on duty.
After the fire, Brighty was carefully removed by a team that included forest service workers and the park archaeologist. On August 14, the statue made about a five-hour trip from the North Rim to the South Rim, secured in the back of a pickup truck. Brighty will now be kept in the park’s museum collection while experts examine the damage. The first step is to check for toxic substances on the sculpture’s surface.
Depending on what the experts find, Brighty might be restored or replaced with a new statue. This process doesn’t have a set timeline yet, but many people who have long loved Brighty are already encouraging efforts to bring him back. The statue holds special meaning for visitors, especially families who have taken photos with it or read the children’s book inspired by Brighty, a real burro who lived in the canyon more than 100 years ago.
Brighty was known for traveling up and down the canyon with the seasons. He helped carry water to a summer camp in exchange for pancakes and gave rides to children, becoming a symbol of life in the rugged Grand Canyon area.
Beyond Brighty’s fate, the National Park Service faces a long road ahead restoring the North Rim. Teams will soon begin checking the soil, working to stop erosion and reseed plants in the burned areas. The wildfire has left a deep mark, but those caring for the park hope to piece things back together over time.
Park spokesperson Joëlle Baird highlighted Brighty’s importance, calling him a “special symbolic piece of history” for many people. While the rebuilding will take time, preserving this local treasure means a lot to the community and visitors alike.