Conservation status rare Country of origin New Zealand Scientific name Equus asinus Rank Species | Other names Ponui Island donkey Distribution New Zealand Higher classification Equus | |
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Height Male: 90–110 cm (36–42 in)Female: 90–110 cm (36–42 in) Coat light dun or chocolate, with darker dorsal stripe Similar Romagnolo donkey, Equus, Mammal, Horses, Cyprus donkey | ||
The Ponui donkey or Ponui Island Donkey is a breed and feral population of domestic donkey from Ponui Island, in the Hauraki Gulf off New Zealand. It is the only feral donkey in New Zealand.
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History
Frederick Chamberlin bought Ponui Island from the New Zealand government in 1854. Donkeys were brought to the island together with other livestock from New South Wales, and a feral population established itself. The Ponui Island Donkey now has formal breed status, and some are distributed in mainland New Zealand. It is registered by the Donkey & Mule Society of New Zealand. The Ponui donkey is listed as "rare" by the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand.
Characteristics
The Ponui donkey is docile and sturdy. It stands about 1 metre at the withers. It is usually light dun in colour, but may be chocolate; broken-coloured donkeys cannot be registered.