The Salt Cay, the second largest and southernmost inhabited island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is, according to the official website, "home to 101 friendly souls rich in heritage and Caribbean culture, plus privately-owned cattle, numerous chickens, a small herd of wild donkeys, and 2 iguanas." It seems that donkeys were brought to Grand Turk by the Bermudians in the 15th century, so it is possible that they have been residents of Grand Turk longer than people. It was a common practice in the 1500s and 1600s for sailors to leave animals on islands throughout the Caribbean. This provided a source of fresh meat during long voyages and became a source for draft animals when various islands were settled.
Read more »