“So... Why Are There Donkeys Everywhere?”
- The Sunflower Villa
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
When we first arrived at Grand Turk, we expected the typical Caribbean vibes—crystal-clear water, warm breezes, and maybe a hammock or two. What caught us off guard was sharing the road with donkeys.Yep, donkeys.
They’re just there—hanging out in the street, wandering by the grocery store, sometimes chilling in the shade without a care in the world (because they really don’t have any). At first, we thought it was just a quirky one-time thing. Then we saw three more. Then we hit Salt Cay and realized: oh, this is just how it rolls here.
Of course, we had to ask the question every curious visitor eventually does:
Why are Grand Turk and Salt Cay packed with donkeys?
A Bit of Island History (That You Won’t Find on a Tour Brochure)
Back in the day—way before the cruise port, cell towers, and beach bars—Grand Turk and Salt Cay were all about salt. It was a big deal here, and donkeys were the unsung heroes doing the heavy lifting. They lugged loads of salt from the salinas (salt flats) to the ships, day in and day out.
When the salt industry faded away in the mid-20th century, the donkeys were simply let go. No fences, no relocation. Just freedom. And thanks to the islands’ chill vibe and lack of predators, they’ve been thriving ever since.
What It’s Like Today
The donkeys aren’t aggressive or particularly interested in tourists. They’re just… around. Locals are used to them. Visitors are usually charmed, sometimes surprised, and often snapping photos. On Salt Cay, which feels like a time capsule from another era, it’s especially noticeable—they seem to outnumber people on some days.
They’re part of the scenery now, like swaying palms or old colonial buildings. It’s strange at first, and then it somehow feels right. Quiet island, big sky, slow-moving donkeys.
You might spot a donkey or two strolling along the road on your way to the beach, or see one from the porch. Here are a few quick tips:
Please don’t feed them. As friendly as they seem, feeding encourages them to hang around in areas they shouldn’t.
Drive slowly. They’re not great at getting out of the way quickly.
Enjoy the moment. It’s not every day you see a donkey wandering past the ocean.
A Quirky, Lovable Part of Island Life
It’s one of the things that makes Grand Turk and Salt Cay so unique. You won’t find a petting zoo or guided donkey tours here—just animals that were once part of the island’s workforce and are now part of its charm.
If you're staying at The Sunflower Villa, don’t be surprised if you hear a distant hee-haw while sipping your morning coffee. That’s just one of the neighbors saying good morning.
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