The Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim was recently engulfed by the Dragon Bravo Fire, but amidst the devastation, a cherished piece of history has emerged. The bronze statue of Brighty, the beloved burro of the Grand Canyon, has been salvaged, albeit with significant damage.
Brighty, a real-life burro from the early 1900s, gained fame through Marguerite Henry’s 1953 children’s novel and its subsequent film adaptation. For years, his statue stood near the Sun Room of the lodge, becoming an emblem of the Grand Canyon’s history and allure.
The wildfire that raged on July 12 destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous surrounding structures. Despite the extensive damage, park officials confirmed that Brighty’s statue survived the blaze. It has now been relocated to the South Rim’s Museum Collection, where experts will evaluate whether restoration is feasible or if a replacement is necessary.
According to the latest incident report, the Dragon Bravo Fire has consumed over 144,900 acres and is now more than halfway contained.
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