Jackasses here…jackasses there…jackasses everywhere, even on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Commonly called donkeys, asses, Jacks, Jennets and burros these beloved creatures of Hawaii Island are known as "Kona Nightingales." These donkeys earned their nickname
from their loud braying at sunrise and sunset from farm to farm. They played an important
role in island heritage, especially in the history and development of the Kona coffee industry.
Following WWII, there was a surplus of Army jeeps and gas was cheap (imagine that) so, the
donkeys became unemployed and were abandoned by farmers to the arid lava fields of West Hawaii.
Today there is an overpopulation of donkeys and due to the housing and resort development
in the Kona and Kohala regions , resources in the area (food and water for the animals) are not sustainable for the nightingales.
In search of food and water, the donkeys will feed in the backyards of residents in Waikoloa Village (where I live) the golf course and school. Besides frightening some residents, the donkeys' will sometimes run across the roadways which presents a serious danger to drivers
and donkeys alike. Hence, the yellow donkey crossing signs.
The Humane Society of Hawaii, Kona Resorts and other concerned groups have pooled together resources and volunteers to safely and humanely find housing for the animals.
Many have been relocated to different ranches on the island and to animal sanctuaries in California and Texas.
My next photo of "the mug" on 'Big Island Revealed' will be at Kona Mist Coffee Farm and Volcanoes National Park.
A hui hou !
(sorry - the font is kinda small )