Henry and Cash, who had been there since 2009, will be enjoying their retirement at Fort Davis National Historic Site where they will be roaming the fort's grounds.
FORT DAVIS, Texas — Two pack mules at Big Bend National Park took their last hike before retirement last Wednesday, according to the park's Facebook page.
Mules Henry and Cash Last RideThis past Wednesday was both a sad and joyous occasion for park staff. Pack Mules Henry and Cash are officially retired. They will be enjoying retirement not too far away at Fort Davis National Historic Site where they will be roaming the fort's beautiful grounds seeing park visitors. Occasionally conducting demonstrations pulling a historical wagon. Henry and Cash have been at Big Bend National Park since 2009. They each have carried hundreds of thousands of pounds of equipment to and from the remote backcountry over countless miles. Not to mention Henry working diligently to being crucial in medical evacuations in remote rough terrain.
To quote Big Bend's lead animal packer, Gavin Monson, "Heck yeah I'm going to miss them! You can't get a more reliable mule than Henry, Cash of course too. These two definitely left such a positive impression on everyone who got to work with them over the years. Both are sweethearts, loyal, and will be missed."
Big Bend National Park wouldn't function smoothly if it wasn't for the hardest working employees of the National Park Service, our very own pack mules. Thank you for your service, Henry and Cash, and happy retirement!
We will post updates of Henry and Cash in future Mule Monday posts.
#MuleMondays #CashtheMule #bigbendnationalpark #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
SAFETY WARNING: Never approach or touch any pack mules in national parks or other public lands without permission. Especially while they are working, for the safety of the mules, their handlers, and yourself, these are hardworking animals (employees) all with different temperaments and personalities. For your safety and theirs, please keep a safe distance away, step off the trail, and give them a wide berth to pass by on the trail. Thank you!
Video Credit: NPS / Jason Gablaski
Video Description: Lead Animal Packer, Gavin Monson, bringing four mules back from a trip in the Chisos. This is both Cash's and Henry's last mission at Big Bend National Park
Posted by Big Bend National Park on Monday, January 29, 2024
Pack mules Henry and Cash are now officially retired. They will be spending their retirement at Fort Davis National Historic Site where they'll be roaming the fort's beautiful grounds seeing park visitors.
Henry and Cash had been at Big Bend since 2009 where they occasionally conduct demonstrations pulling a historical wagon. they have carried thousands of pounds of equipment to and from the remote backcountry. Henry also was vital in medical evaluations in remote rough terrain.
"Heck yeah I'm going to miss them!" Big bend's lead animal packer Gavin Monson said. "You can't get a more reliable mule than Henry, Cash of course too. These two definitely left such a positive impression on everyone who got to work with them over the years. Both are sweethearts, loyal, and will be missed."
"Big Bend National Park wouldn't function smoothly if it wasn't for the hardest working employees of the National Park Service, our very own pack mules," Big Bend National Park said in the post. "Thank you for your service, Henry and Cash, and happy retirement!"
The park will be posting updates of Henry and Cash in future "Mule Monday" posts.
The park also wants visitors to be safe around the mules. Never approach or touch any pack mules in national parks or any public land without permission. This is especially if they're working. These mules have different temperaments and personalities. For your safety and theirs, keep a safe distance away, step off the trail and give them space to pass on the trail.
