Big Island Real Estate & Community News

West Hawaii Nightingales | Photo courtesy of Margie Simms

The Waikoloa Nightingales are not a chorus or a local band but what we Big Islanders fondly call the wild donkeys that roam the arid lands of Waikoloa.

After World War II, the donkeys that once transported coffee were set free and left to fend for themselves. They survived and multiplied over the years, but current drought conditions leave their descendants vulnerable to starvation and dehydration. Some have been shot by landowners who don’t want them on their property and some have been killed when they cross Big Island highways, posing a safety hazard to humans as well.

Unlike the mustangs of the West, however, our donkeys are not under the protection or jurisdiction of any public agency. They are not considered wildlife or native species and so are not protected under federal laws. They are not livestock, so they don’t come under the jurisdiction of any State agencies. It’s up to Big Island animal lovers to help them.

The Hawaii Island Humane Society has kindly offered to help with community outreach to find a solution to the donkeys’ dilemma. Susan Whittaker, Inga Gibson (Hawaii State Director of the Humane Society) and Donna Whittaker (Director for Hawaii Island Humane Society), co-chaired a roundtable discussion at the 2010 Hawaii Horse Expo at Waikoloa Stables on August 22. Guest speakers included veterinarian Dr. Brady Bergin and Keith Dane, Equine Director of the Humane Society of the United States. Dr. Bergin and Mr. Dane had just completed an aerial survey of the wild donkeys. They saw approximately 200 animals, in scattered bands of 8-12 individuals, but they believe there could be as many as 600 donkeys in the area from around Waikoloa Village to Waikoloa Mauka and beyond.

View  Waikoloa Donkeys Discussed at Hawaii Horse Expo – Big Island Video News

Dr. Bergin explained that the westerly slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are the ideal environment for the donkeys. Limited forage keeps their weight in check, constant movement keeps them fit, and the rocky soils keep their feet trimmed. However, the population continues to increase and is unsustainable. He discussed the possibility of using birth control (which can be delivered by darts) on the jennies and castration of the jacks, a more difficult and permanent procedure. In any event, the animals need to be contained so they can be treated and so they are not able to get out on the highways.

Keith Dane discussed placing the animals with Big Island residents but there are too many animals and too few people who are qualified or who would want to adopt these wild creatures. Participants brought forth the idea of finding a landowner who would donate or lease land for a sanctuary or identifying State lease land that might be available for either a temporary or permanent home for the donkeys.

Karen Clarkson, R Waimea

If you know of a landowner who would be amenable or if there is lease land available please contact me, or if you have any suggestions or resources to help these endangered equines please email Anika Glass at waikoloanightingale@gmail.com. Anika is the founder of Malama Waikoloa Nightingales–she maintains a blog with ongoing updates about the donkeys.