Ponui donkeys are New Zealand's only feral donkey breed. The
feral herd is established on Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf, east of
Auckland. They are descendants of three animals imported from Australia in the
1880s by the Chamberlin family, who obtained title to the island in 1854.
Ponui donkeys are mostly light grey in color, with a darker
dorsal stripe, and stand about ten hands (one meter) high.
In recent years a number have been brought to the mainland
and rare breeds enthusiasts are currently trying to build up a viable,
genetically pure population of these sturdily built and docile donkeys.
Content and Photo Source: New Zealand Rare Breeds (http://www.rarebreeds.co.nz/).
About Ponui Donkeys
