Ever wonder what the most unusual souvenir you could bring back from Yosemite National Park is? We think we have it figured out: a mule or horse.

　　Yosemite generally has about 90 active horses and mules working in the park. These magnificent beasts serve 12-15 years and then retire from their duties of transporting park rangers around. They also help with search and rescue efforts, bring supplies out to the wilderness camps, make logging and trail maintenance possible, and more. They deserve their next relaxing meadow and hay-stocked stableand maybe youre the person to provide that for one of Yosemites hoofed retirees.

　　Last month, we stopped by the stables where the animals are being cared for before they are adopted out. The stables are near the parks southern entrance and part of the Yosemite History Center in the Wawona area. There, near a covered bridge and multiple historic buildings moved to the grove from elsewhere in the park, you can look at the horses and mules behind their rustic fence. They are fed in a barn that sits amongst the tall evergreens and dates back a century. Its a very beautiful and restful location for these hard-working and tired animals.

　　Photograph: Erika Mailman And if, like me, you arent exactly sure: a mule has much longer ears than a horse, and the horses face is more sculptural. A horse is usually, but not always, taller than a mule.

　　Horses and mules have worked at Yosemite since the earliest days, starting from when the cavalry arrived in the 1890s. Once a horse is ready to be retired, the park staff assess its healthand it may have already been given less arduous duties as it ages. The National Park Service then lists the animal on its website as open for adoption. If you wish to adopt one of these animals, you receive all the information about the available creatures' temperaments and ailments and have 30 days to apply to adopt. After the 30 days, a board meets to match animals to applicants. Sometimes, they may allow one applicant to adopt severalor they may find no appropriate adopters.

　　Photograph: Erika Mailman Although we joked about adopting a horse or mule as a souvenir, the process is, of course, very serious, and potential adopters are encouraged to visit the potential adoptees before filing an application. The park may ask to visit you to see what sort of home youd be able to provide the horse or mule. Your process would begin here by visiting the Yosemite Horse and Mule Adoption website. The main goal is to reward these horses and mules for their years of service.