The living Nativity at Eagle River Presbyterian Church near Vail, Colo., became more exciting than intended when the two donkeys involved escaped from their pen. The Vail Daily reported the chase took pursuers from the Avon church, behind some shops, and along the railroad tracks into Eagle-Vail where the lost long-ears were eventually located.

Church member Chip Howard, who had borrowed the donkeys from a friend for use in the Nativity, was the first to notice their disappearance when he dropped by to check on them Wednesday. Though running late for work he called 911 and started tracking with the aid of the Sherriff’s Office and church pastor Rob Wilson.

Wilson wrote in an e-mail to his congregation that he dubbed the donkeys Mary and Joseph during their snowy walk back to the church