1909

Businessman David Eldridge and self-described “desert rat,” Malapai Mike, traveled 40 miles across Death Valley in California to investigate a proposed power site for the Brockington Company in Boston, Massachusetts.

On their return, they got lost in what seemed to be a sinkhole. In the oppressive heat, they grew exhausted and dehydrated, and one of their two burros died.

They tossed a silver dollar to determine who’d take the remaining burro and try to get to safety. Eldridge lost.

The men divvied up the water, 1 quart for Mike, 4 quarts for Eldridge. Then Mike left.

He made it to civilization and safety despite the second burro also giving out. Hollow-eyed and emaciated, he told authorities the tale of his having abandoned his companion and his harrowing escape.

Eldridge, who subsequently couldn’t be found, was presumed dead.

1947-1962

A wild burro sauntered into the popular gambling spot, the El Rey Club in Searchlight, Nevada at about 11 o’clock every morning. It approached the proprietor, Willie Martello, who always fed it something he had in his pocket. Then the donkey retreated back into the desert.

Photo from freeimages.com: “The key is the donkey,” by dimitri_c