The free-roaming miniature Sicilian Donkeys that have become a symbol of Ossabaw Island were introduced by Sandy West as a gift for her son in 1965.

With no natural predators on the island, the donkey herd grew to over a hundred individuals by the late 1990s.

In the year 2000, a state management plan declared the donkeys an invasive species and the majority of the herd was relocated through adoption to locations on the mainland.

Today, only about eight donkeys remain on the island. They have been sterilized to prevent future expansion of the herd, but the survivors are loved by all who are lucky enough to visit Ossabaw. They are usually very curious and greet visitors soon after their arrival. They often seek shade in the old tabby smokehouse.

You can help support the herd by adopting one of the donkeys, through the Ossabaw Island Foundation.