| Summary: | The use of animal power in human history is well documented. The mule, specifically, has been unfortunate as stereotypical images that negatively portray it are profuse, as opposed to its positive characteristics of sufferance, endurance and reliability. The aim of this article is to offer a historical overview of the use of the mule in history, focusing particularly on specific contexts such as mountainous areas, wars, mines and especially tourism. Alternative forms of tourism such as nature-based tourism can revive and grow the use of the mule as a means of transport. However attention to the mule’s welfare and ‘working conditions’ are fundamental. The article is based on a desktop research methodology with the aim of contributing to the literature on working animals in tourism. This is relevant inasmuch as working animals have been neglected in policy-making contexts making it necessary to raise awareness of the working conditions of animals.
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