Good morning!
Many visitors love the wildlife of St. John, and the donkeys are certainly a staple.
These feral donkeys have a long history on the island and continue to run free. They roam the island’s fields, roads, and even beaches. They’re gentle, and each has its own personality. So, just because you’ve seen one or even a dozen doesn’t mean you won’t have a unique donkey encounter in the future. That is what’s so fun about these beautiful, gentle creatures. Everyone who has encountered them has their own story.
Here’s how these donkeys became a symbol of St. John and how you can help protect them.
Where Did All the Island’s Donkeys Come From?
In the 1700s, Danish settlers came to the island, and most (if not all) were connected to the sugar plantations. With them came donkeys, which were essential for carrying heavy loads. The donkeys would bring firewood, crops, and other crucial items up steep hills.
The St. John sugar plantation era ended for several reasons, including declining sugar prices and the abolition of slavery. As sugar plantations lost economic value, operations declined, but the donkeys were left behind. They have been roaming the island ever since.
Enjoying the Island’s Donkeys While Protecting Them
You can often see these donkeys in small groups, usually two or three. Unless you leave your picnic lunch out long enough, they mainly mind their business. Allow them to do so and observe from a safe distance.
As with all St. John wildlife, please don’t feed the donkeys. Doing so encourages them to approach roads and other dangerous areas. Reducing the risk of car accidents and other incidents is the primary goal. However, you must also do your part to protect the health of these beloved animals. Their digestive systems are not designed to eat human food, and continued reliance on humans discourages them from foraging.
In addition, while some donkeys might let you pet them, and you may see people doing so, this is discouraged. The donkeys are often very friendly, but they’re not domestic animals. They’re wild, and their behavior can be unpredictable, especially if they’re spooked.
The Donkey of St. John: A Glimpse Into the Past
The donkeys that wander the island remain a symbol of the island’s charm, history, and unique identity. These beloved donkeys remind us not to forget the past as we focus on a sustainable future for all.
Management initiatives are being considered to control the island’s donkey population. The effort will help preserve and protect all the wildlife of St. John, including the feral donkeys we all love. The island’s residents advocate for the donkeys that call St. John home and will continue to adore them, hopefully from afar.
Do you have a story about one of these donkeys? Share in the comments below!
Thank you for the story and for doing your homework! Please encourage everyone to spread the news to tourists regarding stopping in the roads and feeding them. Aside from humans, these animals rarely get sick or hurt. The best thing we can do for them is to leave them alone and enjoy a glimpse into their peaceful lives.
Only question I have is the reference to “Management initiatives”. Could you please explain what you are referencing?
Any word on my previous question?
Ad a camper on St John for 25 + years, I have had more than my share of donkey experiences.
My favorite was waking up to a child screaming in the next campsite, after getting up to go to the bathroom and tripping over a donkey sleeping close to the tent. the donkey opened its eyes that shown brightly in the moon light.
it was hours before that poor kid fell asleep.
We were in the pool at CANEEL Bay and a huge rain storm came up quickly ..we got out of the water as the wind really picked up and made it to a couple of palm trees to shelter under. I looked to my left and my husband had a towel wrapped over his head and shoulders and there stood a donkey beside him sheltering with its head down in the rain. Reminded me of a manger scene !
The wind gusted and I grabbed the palm tree trunk I was under and there in complete silence , was a donkey also sheltered with me.. I have never laughed so much in my life..they were so quiet.
I love the “Stinky Dip” signs with the Donkey Crossing
I have almost as many donkey pictures over the years as beach pictures. I even used some of my photos as home pictures.
When I was recently on ST John for 3 weeks in Feb/March I went to Caneel one day by myself to relax and read. I parked my solo chair a little left of the entrance path on the beach. It was a beautiful sunny day at Caneel and a little breezy. I was engrossed in my book when I thought I felt something graze the back of my head. But I ignored it and kept reading. All of the sudden I heard several people on either side of me yelling ” Ma’am, Ma’am, MA”AM!” I was like me? I’m just sitting here reading. They all pointed behind me. I turned around in my chair and came nose to muzzle with a donkey who was standing behind me , calmly sniffing my hair! He was not startled and did not move from his sniffing spot. He and 2 of his pals then joined me on my spot on the beach. I assured them I did not have any snacks in my bag but they hung out in front of me and behind me for almost an hour just to be sure. People came from all over the beach to snap photos . Everyone, I am happy to say, was very respectful of the donkeys and did not try to feed them or pat them. The donkeys stood for their influencer photos like the super models they are and enjoyed their afternoon at the beach. I guess they were waiting for their table at Zozo’s.
No story, however I love that consideration is being given to control the population. In Michigan we have an over -population of deer, causing many auto accidents. Hunting is allowed at certain times, but in between the counties and the state want to cull the population by eliminating herds by inhumane choices. I would hate to see that happen on your beautiful island.
Thank you for the history about the donkeys on St. John and your advocacy to keeping them safe. They are such incredible creatures and wonderful to see.
If you see a donkey in distress, please immediately contact
ST JOHN WILDLIFE AND DONKEY RESCUE INCORPORATED
to report the exact location of the animal that needs their help.
(340) 643-9453
info@stjohnwildliferehab.org
stjohnwildliferehab.org