HONOLULU — The last 50 wild donkeys on Hawaii’s Big Island are up for adoption.

More than 500 donkeys were set loose after fulfilling their services in the coffee and agricultural plantations on Hawaii’s Big Island.

The donkeys become a problem after they were forced into residential areas in search of water by droughts. Some even drank from swimming pools. The Humane Society of the United States started to solve the problem six years ago by having 450 donkeys adopted.

Experts say donkeys are best adopted in pairs as they are highly social animals. A lone donkey can become very upset and can bray very loudly.

According to a guide published by the Donkey Sanctuary, adopters should provide half an acre of land, which is about the size of eight tennis courts, for each donkey. This should come with a shelter, fencing and not to mention a high fibre diet, water, electricity, regular grooming and veterinary care.

Nevertheless, donkeys are proven to be quite popular. Authorities said about 80 percent of the remaining donkeys have found potential homes, meaning only about 10 donkeys are left for grabs.