Meet the Mules

C&O Canal has been home to many mules over the years, including the park’s current team – Jen and Julie. Each mule has their own unique personality, and they share special bonds with each other and the park staff that work with and care for them. Like people, the park’s mules work until they are ready to retire. This year we celebrated the retirement of Dolly and Eva!

 

Jen is a Blonde Sorrel and her coat has a red tint to it, especially in the fall.

NPS Photo / E. Cowan

Jen

Born: 2013, Kentucky
Height: 15.1 hands (60.4 inches)
Weight: 1,000 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Blonde Sorrel

Jen is a very affectionate mule with a confident personality. She is patient with her handlers and the other mules but is extremely suspicious of unfamiliar animals and sounds. Jen is a quiet protector and can usually be found on sentry (or lookout) duty to make sure that there isn't any danger approaching the herd. She can also be found sticking close to her little sister, Julie. Jen joined the team in 2020.

 

Julie is the smallest and youngest mule on the team.

NPS Photo / E. Cowan

Julie

Born: 2014, Kentucky
Height: 14.3 hands (57.2 inches)
Weight: 950 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Red Sorrel

Julie is the smallest and most timid of the mules. While she is sometimes slow to warm up to new situations, she is sweet and trusting of her fellow mules and the people that she bonds with. Julie is the youngest of the four mules but has a big, affectionate personality that balances the team. Julie joined the team in 2020.

 

Recently Retired

The park's mules are valuable members of the team and deserve a happy and healthy retirement after their years of service. Like people, mules retire for different reasons including age, health, and changes in work. Park staff carefully assess the mules once they reach their 20th birthday to determine when it is practical and best for the mule to retire. Upon retirement, these unique park stewards enjoy work-free days at their new homes.

Congratulations to Dolly and Eva on their well-deserved retirement!

 

Dolly is strong in both will and muscle.

NPS Photo / E. Cowan

Dolly

Born: 2003, Virginia
Height: 15.2 hands (60.8 inches)
Weight: 1,100 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Black Bay

Dolly is the most headstrong and independent mule on the team. Because of her intelligence and strength, Dolly is always reliable and ready to work. With her powerful but friendly personality, Dolly guides the younger mules during training and boat programs. Dolly and Eva worked together as a pair when they pulled the canal boat. Dolly joined the team in 2008 and retired in June of 2025 after 17 years of service.

 

Eva is a sweet and steadfast mule.

NPS Photo/E. Cowan

Eva

Born: 2004, Virginia
Height: 15.1 hands (60.4 inches)
Weight: 1,200 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Black Bay

Eva is the quiet giant of the team. Her size might be intimidating at first, but her calm and agreeable demeanor makes her a natural leader for working with the canal boat and training other mules. She is patient, eager to please, and serves as a steady helping hand to the younger mules. Eva was the matriarch (or the leader) of the herd, and the other mules looked to her for guidance during her years at the park. Eva joined the team in 2009 and retired in June 2025 after 16 years of service.