All About St. John's Donkeys

Chrissann Nickel • February 19, 2026
wild donkeys on St. John in the USVI

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. 

wild donkeys of the US Virgin Islands

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.


What can I do with the donkeys?


Feel free to take photos and videos! It’s so much fun to snap some memories of donkeys with a gorgeous St. John backdrop. 


wild donkeys of the US Virgin Islands

Have you encountered the donkeys of St. John yet?

Chrissann Nickel

About Chrissann Nickel

Chrissann Nickel is a writer & digital marketer who is passionate about all things tropical. An outdoor enthusiast, she spent 12+ years living between several islands in the Virgin Islands, exploring all there is to see both above and below the surface of the Caribbean sea. Her perfect USVI day? Sunrise yoga on a paddle board, and then island hopping via boat with stops for snorkeling and a hike. 

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