Donkeys were essential for transport and hauling goods in Western Australia's north from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. By the 1960s, they were considered pests and culled in large numbers.
Historical Use
Donkeys pulled heavy loads, including a 10.5-tonne wool wagon with 29 donkeys in 1916. They were used for pack work, plowing, and pulling wagons on stations like Gibb River, Mt Elizabeth, and Karunjie.
In 1922, donkeys carried scientific equipment for an experiment related to Einstein's Theory of Relativity. They were preferred over horses in rough terrain due to their sure-footedness.
Transition to Pest Status
By the 1960s, improved roads and vehicles made donkeys redundant. Thousands of feral donkeys damaged waterholes and pastures.
Culling programs began, and over half a million donkeys have been culled since 1978. The current population is estimated at 5,000.
Donkey Canning Attempt
Charlie Telford established Telfoods, a donkey canning factory near Mt Hart in the 1960s.
The plant was closed by health authorities for not meeting export standards. Canned donkey meat was reportedly unpalatable.