3 mules, horse help in HVNP rescue

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Three mules and a horse came to the rescue of two hikers who were injured and suffering from dehydration last week in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Three mules and a horse came to the rescue of two hikers who were injured and suffering from dehydration last week in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Hilo couple, who the park didn’t identify, left Thursday morning on the Keauhou trail and planned to reach a remote coastal campsite. After turning their ankles, they called the number on their backcountry permit and were rescued by first responders who brought with them the stock animals — Dozer, Ohia, Sparkles and Clyde.

According to the park, Dozer, a mule, and horse Ohia transported them to safety while Sparkles and Clyde hauled their backpacks. The couple’s water filters had broke and they were dehydrated.

The park said the animals also helped rescue an Oahu man in mid-July after he got separated from his group on Keauhou trail.