Missouri State Animal

Missouri Mule Equus caballus x Equus asinus Adopted: May 31, 1995

Missouri State Animal: Missouri Mule
Say Cheese!

Missouri Law

The following information was excerpted from the Missouri Revised Statutes, Title 2, Chapter 10, Section 10.110.

TITLE II SOVEREIGNTY, JURISDICTION AND EMBLEMS
Chapter 10 State Emblems
Section 10.110

Official animal.

10.110. The Missouri Mule, known for its strength, hardiness, intelligence and even temper, is selected for and shall be known as the official animal of the state of Missouri.

(L. 1995 H.B. 84 & 98)

Sources...

Missouri Revised Statutes. Missouri General Assembly. 2009. 7 April 2009 <http://www.moga.mo.gov/STATUTES/STATUTES.HTM>
State Symbols of Missouri. Missouri Secretary of State. 2009. 7 April 2009 <http://www.sos.mo.gov/symbols/symbols.asp?symbol=animal>
Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 3 Sub edition, 2001.

Retired President Harry Truman & Missouri Mules c.1955
Photo credit: University of Missouri

Additional Information

Missouri's State Animal: Missouri Secretary of State: State Symbols of Missouri.

What is a Mule?: The American Donkey and Mule Society.

Mule Club: University of Missouri: College of Veterinary Medicine.

Mule Show: Missouri State University: 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

Equus caballus (Horse) Information and pictures from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology's Animal Diversity Web.

Equus asinus (Ass, Donkey) Information and pictures from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology's Animal Diversity Web.

Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) Here you will find authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

Equus asinus Linnaeus, 1758: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) Here you will find authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

Equus caballus (Horse): CalPhoto photographs. The Biodiversity Sciences Technology group (BSCIT), a part of the Berkeley Natural History Museums at the University of California, Berkeley.

Equus asinus (Ass, Donkey): CalPhoto photographs. The Biodiversity Sciences Technology group (BSCIT), a part of the Berkeley Natural History Museums at the University of California, Berkeley.

State Mammals: Complete list of official state mammals.

More symbols & emblems: Complete list of official Missouri state symbols.

Mule Tack
Richard Flentge II

Mule Tack: How Missouri became the Official State of the Mule, by Richard Flentge II. 126 pages. Richard Flentge's new book describes how much of a fight it was to make the mule the official state animal.

A local storyteller uses an unexpected theme to combine the many tales of Cape Girardeau and Missouri history in his new book. In 1995, the Missouri Legislature and former governor Mel Carnahan adopted the mule as the official state animal. While it seems like a simple decision, and fitting choice for the predominantly rural state, Flentge said politics nearly prevented the animal from receiving that title.

The Natural Superiority of Mules
by John Hauer

The Natural Superiority of Mules, by John Hauer. 160 pages. The Lyons Press (January 1, 2006) It all starts at birth: Baby mules are just a bit more precocious than other equine creatures. Of course, the most obvious physical advantage of the mule is those magnificent ears! The Natural Superiority of Mules is a collection of essays, articles, and stories in celebration of all the unique qualities of these remarkable hybrids. Full-color photographs accompanying the articles illustrate the grace, strength, agility, and especially, the lovely long ears of these fantastic and fascinating creatures.

Answers To Your Mule Questions
by Cindy K. (McKinnon) Roberts

Answers To Your Mule Questions - A Common Sense Guide To Understanding The Mule's Point Of View, by Cindy K. McKinnon Roberts. 1ST edition (2007) Author/mule trainer Cindy K. Roberts helps mule owners to understanding the mule's point of view by offering her expertise and advice. Book offers wonderful insight on how to achieve a partnership with your mule along with information on: Young Mule Behavior Handling and Ground Manners Introducing New Herd Members Tacking Up and Saddling Vaccinations and Vet Phobia How To Determine If You Have Correct Saddle Fit Proper Bit Control Runaways Hard To Catch Mules Trailering Your Mule Kicking Mules.

Training Mules and Donkeys
by Meredith Hodges

Training Mules and Donkeys: A Logical Approach to Longears, by Meredith Hodges. 329 pages. Alpine Publications; 1st edition (May 1993) Considered the first COMPLETE book on training mules, this is a 'no-resistance' training manual covering simple psychology and training techniques to help the trainer toward a more enjoyable and rewarding experience with their longears.

Mules Is Different: Everything You Wanted to Know about Longears, and More, by Les Sellnow. 224 pages. Eclipse Press; Ill edition (April 1, 2009) Mules is Different is written for the recreational rider who owns mules and for others who are considering buying a mule. Unlike previous books, which focus on training or anecdotal essays, Mules is Different fills the gap, covering all aspects of the unique needs of mules, from vet and farrier care and feeding to tack fitting and training. In addition, this comprehensive book features some of the fascinating, unique history of the mule.

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