Haleakala National Park bids farewell to three mules and their animal packer | News, Sports, Jobs

Animal packer Anne-Marie Spain stands with the lead mules on Halemau‘u Trail in Haleakala National Park. Three of the parks mules retired at the end of last year, while Spain has taken a job with the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. NPS photos

Three mules who have worked a combined 30 years have retired from Haleakala National Park, while animal packer Anne-Marie Spain has taken a new job with the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Together, Spain and mules Justine, Lokahi and Ricki have helped preserve and protect more than 30 miles of trails and numerous facilities throughout Haleakala National Park.

“During her five years at Haleakala, Anne-Marie has made outstanding contributions to our trails program and especially to our mule packing program,” Maintenance Supervisor Matt Padgett said in a news release Wednesday. “Her abilities and insights help make our program more efficient, safer and more mule-friendly.”

Park spokesperson Jin Prugsawan said Spain will be working with the facilities maintenance division at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The mules, meanwhile, retired at the end of last year, Prugsawan said.

Mules climb along Halemau‘u Trail in Haleakala National Park. Horses and mules have long played a critical role in the park, helping to transport supplies into protected wilderness areas where cars cannot go.

Horses and mules have long played a critical role in the preservation of public lands, according to the news release. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps used mules to safely transport lumber, tools and other supplies into Haleakala Crater. Today, campgrounds, trails, backcountry cabins and other facilities require maintenance and repair. Employees like Spain pack and load the mules and care for them during their treks into the wilderness.

Due to its congressional designation as wilderness, established roads and motorized vehicles are not legally permitted in the crater. A wilderness designation is given to areas with remarkable natural qualities that are relatively free from the effects of modern civilization and provide opportunities for solitude and quiet, according to the news release.

Haleakala National Park currently has a team of nine mules. To learn more about the park’s mule team, visit the newly launched webpage at nps.gov/hale/learn/historyculture/meet-the-mules.htm.

For more information about the role of mules in the park, visit nps.gov/hale/learn/nature/mighty-mules-of-maui.htm.

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