Mark Meyers and a group of volunteers in both Hawaii and California have come to the rescue of 120 donkeys that were flown from Hawaii to California on September 17, 2011, in a supreme act of compassion.
The donkeys roamed in the wild of Hawaii for decades after being let go by farmers that previously used them to carry loads of sugar cane and coffee beans. Once let loose, the donkeys became too numerous to thrive on the Island. As they outgrew their space, they began invading neighborhoods and business areas that had grown up around them during the last few years. Seen as a nuisance, they ate landscaping, knocked down fences, and were hit by cars, causing concern for not only their safety, but also for people in the area.
Working with the Humane Society of the United States and Kona veterinarian Brady Bergin, crews captured and castrated the males and prepared the donkeys for their flight to California where they will be up for adoption on October 29, 2011, for an adoption fee of $200.
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is located off a rural road north of Tehachapi. The Meyers became involved with donkeys when they purchased a donkey to be a companion for Amy Meyers' horse.
When Mark Meyers saw other donkeys that weren't being cared for, he began taking them in, eventually creating the non-profit,rescue where they now have as many as 325 donkeys on the ranch. In addition, they work with adoption facilities in 22 states and opened a second rescue facility in Texas where they have rescued at least 500 donkeys since March of this year.