June 4, 2025
Photos by Karen Clifford
For more than 40 years, the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s mule teams have been a beloved part of Mizzou traditions. But with three teams and six mules in total, it can be tricky to tell them apart. Become an expert at mule spotting with this guide.
Boone and George, the primary mule team
Boone and George were purchased in June 2020 from Jamesport, Missouri, and currently serve as the primary mule team. They were five years old and trained when they came to the university. Boone is named after John William “Blind” Boone, and George is named after George Washington Carver.
Boone
Physical traits
- Has a black dot on his nose and a white star on his forehead.
- Is slightly smaller than George.
Personality
- The hardest-working mule of the bunch.
- Enjoys getting his ears scratched.
George
Physical traits
- Slightly bigger than Boone.
Personality
- Loves rolling in the mud and dirt — if you see a filthy mule, it’s probably George!
Bess and Rose, the ladies in waiting
Bess and Rose were purchased from Clark, Missouri, and arrived on campus in April 2020. The pair are currently in training to be the next primary mule team. Bess is named after Bess Truman, whose husband, former President Harry Truman, was the son of a mule breeder, and Rose is named after Rose O’Neill, the Missouri artist who created the Kewpie.
Bess
Physical traits
- Has a large forehead and a broad, long head.
- Is slightly bigger than George and Boone.
- Her mane is left long unless she’s working.
Personality
- One of the friendliest mules.
- Loves attention and gets jealous if she’s not getting it.
Rose
Physical traits
- Similar in size to Bess.
- Has a lighter underbelly and face than the other mules.
- Has longest tail of all the mules, and its color gets lighter in the summer.
Personality
- Another social butterfly, just like Bess.
- Enjoys treats and scratches.
Tim and Terry, the retired gentlemen
Tim and Terry were born in 1993 and purchased by Mizzou in December of 2003 from Elkland, Missouri. Because they came to Mizzou already named, they are not named after famous Missourians. The pair retired in 2020 after a 17 years of service at Mizzou and remain on campus under the careful care of the Mule Team.
Terry
Physical traits
- Has a white star on the bridge of his nose.
Personality
- The boss of the group — what he says goes.
- Acts as the group protector.
Tim
Physical traits
- Has a white spot on his right ear.
Personality
- Has a rare endocrine condition called primary hyperparathyroidism. This can cause him to have lethargy and a varied appetite.
