Animals Of Hawaii

Big Island Donkeys To Be California Bound

HONOLULU -- The Humane Society of the United States is planning to take 100 feral Big Island Donkeys on a chartered plane to Los Angeles next month.

The donkeys will then be taken to two separate animal sanctuaries. “Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in Tehachapi is going to receive the bulk of them, maybe 75 to 80. And Eagle Eye, which is in Northern California will get maybe a dozen or so.” said Hawaii spokeswoman Inga Gibson.

This latest twist on curbing the populations of wild donkeys, is part of a massive effort that’s been underway since last year. Drought conditions forced the donkeys from the highlands down into Waikoloa Village in search of water. But the reports of donkeys appearing down by the highway and near Waikoloa School began to worry the community. The Humane Society of the U.S. teamed up with veterinarian Brady Bergin. The hungry animals were easy to trap with water and feed and Bergin began mass castrations of the males and administering a female contraceptive to the mares. Bergin has sterilized 200 of the original herd of about 600. At the end of the month, he will have help from about four to five mainland vets who will set up a castration clinic at Waikii ranch where about a hundred donkeys have been captured. They will be preparing the donkeys for the flight. There are health certificate requirements. We will be sterilizing the jacks. We don't want to spread the population.

Gibson said the donkeys will fly Pacific Airlift which routinely does equine transport. It’s not cheap. A chartered flight will run in the thousands of dollars.

“We have had some wonderful support from some key donors but as you can imagine it takes a lot to charter a flight,” Gibson said.

Invasive Species: What's New - Hawaii -- A Dozen Illegal Animals ...

A Dozen Illegal Animals Turned In in Two Weeks (Jul 18, 2011)
Snakes and large lizards have no natural predators in Hawaii and pose a serious trheat to Hawaii's environment. It would be devasting if snakes multiplied, potentially killing off endangered birds and flowers that make Hawaii so special. Hawaii is serious about keeping snakes out that the fine for possessing an illegal animal can reach $200,000 and up to three years in prison. However, snake owners are granted amnesty if they willingly turn their pets over. Animals turned in under amnesty will not be euthanized and will be sent to a reptile facility on the mainland.

* See our Hawaii page for more information and resources.

Want to help Hawaii's animals? Pls donate to Boxer Club of Hawaii Petwalk team! Even $5 helps, thanks!! Lets raise $500!

@ Amen sister! Hey loving ur show..u crack me up..jealous of the free life u r livin in Hawaii..beauty, animals, and company

Remains of a Rainbow: Rare Plants and Animals of Hawaii (National Geographic Insight):

so smarties have taught me that the humpback whale nd the nene (hawaiian goose) are the national animals of hawaii

It when ppl dress their animals, say "supposebly", stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk/hallway, wear Uggs in HAWAII.

Animals of Hawaii, a natural history of the amphibians, reptiles, and mammals living in the Hawaiian Islands

Plants and Animals of Hawaii

A thorough treatment of the many plant and animal species found in Hawai'i.

Native Animals of Hawaii Coloring Book

Fun and educational coloring books explore many beautiful and unique aspects of Hawai'i, including nature and culture.

Evolution in Hawaii, a supplement to Teaching about evolution and the nature of science

Alien Species Pose a Severe Threat to Hawaii's Native Plants and Animals The colonization of the Hawaiian islands by humans has had a dramatic impact on the ...

Alien species in North America and Hawaii, impacts on natural ecosystems

Scientists, conservation professionals, policymakers, and anyone involved with the study and control of invasive species will find the book an essential guide ...