St John Wildlife and Donkey Rescue Incorporated

20/08/2026

UPDATE: Kim treated the laughing gull for botulism and the bird responded very well. Kim and her husband, John, just released the gull back onto Cinnamon Bay beach today (see new photos below).
Thank you again to all involved that helped this bird gain its health back!

It truly takes a village. During her turtle nest monitoring patrol at Cinnamon Bay Beach, Tracy Pajewski came across a laughing gull in distress — unable to stand, let alone fly, on the far end of the beach. After contacting St. John Wildlife, she and the Cinnamon Bay team quickly found a towel and a box, safely removed the bird from the beach, and transported it to Elaine in Cruz Bay. Another volunteer, Kim, later took over care of the bird.

As of today, the gull is looking good and hopefully on its way to a full recovery. Huge thanks to every volunteer who stepped in to help this laughing gull!

19/07/2026

It seems to be the season for baby hummingbirds needing a little extra help. In early June, Jess from the Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI) on St. Thomas—an organization we work closely with during rescues—received a tiny green throated carib hummingbird. He arrived in a popcorn box, and for about a day, when he fluffed himself up, he looked exactly like a popcorn kernel. Naturally, the nickname Popcorn stuck.

Fortunately, his mother had already carried him through the demanding nestling stage, so by the time he came to us he was ready to learn quickly. He began self feeding almost right away and took to tentative flight with surprising confidence. It took a bit longer to convince him that fruit flies were worth eating and that nectar from real flowers was better than the easy stuff, but he eventually mastered both.

Once his flight skills reached peak strength and he was navigating like a proper young carib, it was time to send Popcorn back into the wild where he belongs.

06/07/2026

We have had multiple birds Territory-wide need support this week. If you or anyone you know sees a bird in distress, please call our wildlife rehab partners. St. Croix: Toni Lance - (340) 332-6034. St. Thomas: Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative - (340) 725-1556. St. John: St. John Wildlife and Donkey Rescue - (340) 643-9453. Sea Turtles: STAR - (340) 690-0474. These are permitted organizations to intake wildlife that are in distress.

04/07/2026

Even the birds and the bees... are looking for water!

The island is extremely dry, and local wildlife can benefit greatly from additional sources of water. A simple bucket of water can make a meaningful difference. If you choose to help, please keep these tips in mind:

Place a stick inside any water bucket so birds, lizards, and other small animals can climb out safely.

Refresh the water regularly and keep the container clean to prevent mosquitoes and algae buildup.

For bees fill a shallow basin with rocks and keep it topped with fresh water. This gives the bees a dry place to land and drink.

We have donated 5 gallon buckets and troughs available for anyone who wants to participate. Text us at 340 643 9453 (WILD) and we’ll be happy to provide one.

Your support for wildlife is truly appreciated.

09/06/2026

We were featured in an article in the VI Division of Fish and Wildlife's magazine, Go Wild, Go Fish VI!
Check us out on pages 12 and 13.
Thank you Fish and Wildlife for the opportunity!

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

18/05/2026

The ACC is looking for escorts for 4 kittens to Boston in the near future. Most airlines allow 2 kittens per carrier, but some only 1 per. Ideally we are hoping to find at least two escorts on the same flight so they can all travel at once.

If you are flying to Boston (Logan) and can potentially help transport kittens to new homes please email us at [email protected] or PM our page.

There is no cost on your end, and we provided everything needs for the to travel.

13/05/2026

UPDATE: We reached out the National Park rangers and one of them took a walk around the area the next day. Luckily, he didn't see any young goats in distress. Thank you all for your responses!

Anyone headed to Waterlemon today? We had a report of a potentially injured black baby goat at Watermelon Bay on the right side of the unmarked trail to the lower estate Leinster Bay Ruins. We would love to have photos and new location if possible. It may be trapped under a tree. Please call us at 340 643-9453 (wild).

09/05/2026

On World Donkey Day, we’re celebrating St. John’s most iconic residents.

This weekend, our volunteers will be out de‑worming the island’s donkeys — an essential part of keeping the herd healthy and preventing parasite‑related illness.

You can help by:
• Giving donkeys space on the road
• Never feeding them
• Not stopping on the road to pet or take photos

Together, we keep the herd safe.

05/05/2026

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐁𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤
Every day, our volunteers respond to calls, provide care, and help our island’s wildlife stay safe — but kindness starts with simple choices we all make.

This week, we invite our community to:
• Give wildlife space
• Keep pets supervised and collared
• Provide water for wildlife during dry spells
• Avoid feeding donkeys and other wild animals
• Call our hotline if you see an animal in distress

𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐭. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.

05/05/2026

Don't miss out!
Only a few more days to catch some great items from our Bidding Owl auction (and we lowered some starting bids):
https://new.biddingowl.com/stjohnwildliferehab2026auction

As an all-volunteer nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization, 100% of all the proceeds go directly to helping St. John's wildlife and feral donkey herd. Help us help them!