Kalpitiya is home to one of only two wild donkey colonies in Sri Lanka: an estimated 3,000 feral donkeys descended from animals brought by Arab and Dutch traders centuries ago. Once salt-carriers for the peninsula, today they roam free along a 10–15 km stretch of Kalpitiya, and they're believed to be related to the near-extinct Nubian sub-species of the African Wild Ass.
How the donkeys arrived in Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya donkeys were brought to Sri Lanka by Arab and Dutch traders hundreds of years ago. They are distinct from other donkeys and are the only two known colonies in the country, with an estimated population of around 3,000.
They were used to transport salt from Palavi along the narrow stretch leading into the Kalpitiya peninsula until the 20th century. They once roamed across the peninsula and were once a common sight.
Where to see them today
In recent years, their numbers have dwindled and they can only be found within a 10 to 15 km stretch. This is due to large-scale prawn farming and pollution, as well as the carpeting of roads which has led to speeding vehicles.
A rare link to the African Wild Ass
This particular species is believed to belong to the same family as the Nubian sub-species of the African Wild Ass. In its native Ethiopia and Sudan, the donkey is now almost extinct, but in Sri Lanka, it has continued to survive. Newcomers to Kalpitiya are often startled by the loud braying and grunting of the donkeys. For the locals, however, they are a sign that the donkeys are still alive and that some have survived.
Threats to the herd
Kalpitiya donkeys' living space is shrinking even further due to large-scale hotel building, and their grazing land has been cut off due to fencing.
Come See Kalpitiya's Wild Side
Stay at Valampuri Resort and experience the unique nature and wildlife of the Kalpitiya peninsula, including the chance to spot the famous wild donkeys.
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