All About St. John's Donkeys

If you’ve been to St. John in the US Virgin Islands, you’ve likely encountered the wild donkeys around the island. Whether they approached you on the beach, strolled up to your Jeep’s window, or clip-clopped alongside you while shopping in Mongoose Junction, you were likely charmed by the presence of such a surprising farm animal on our little island.

Because we’ve been posting a bunch of fun donkey videos lately over on our Facebook and Instagram accounts (if you’re not already following us, be sure to go and join in on the fun!), we thought we’d share a few fun details about the island’s donkey population.

Why are there donkeys on St. John?

Donkeys were originally used as work animals on plantations, then were eventually released into the wild. They are now feral animals that roam about the island freely.

Are donkeys native to the US Virgin Islands?

No, donkeys were brought to St. John by Danish settlers to work on sugar plantations.

How many donkeys are there on St. John?

There’s no official count of how many donkeys there are currently on island. We suspect that there are hundreds, at this point, though you usually only see them in small groups of about 3-5 donkeys at a time.

Where can I see the donkeys on St. John?

The donkeys are free roaming and move about the island constantly. You can see them from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay along the roads, on the beaches, even around homes and businesses.

Can I feed the donkeys?

No, we ask that you please do not feed the donkeys. Human food messes with their health, and it also trains them to seek humans out for food—both of these things ultimately endanger the donkeys.

What do the donkeys on St. John eat?

Donkeys are grazers so they seek out grasses, shrubs, and other bushes.

Can I pet the donkeys?

In general, we recommend that you maintain some distance between you and the donkeys. While they are bold by nature and accustomed to humans, they are still wild animals that can bite and kick.