Sunday, February 23, 2014

On the Brink of Extinction. "NUNKI", the last Abaco "Barb" Wild Horse in the World.

On the Brink of Extinction. 
"NUNKI", the last Abaco "Barb" Wild Horse in the World.


Only one Abaco “Barb” Spanish Colonial Wild Horse left, "NUNKI."
Six decades ago, there were 200 or more wild horses on Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. These horses were the time-capsuled descendants of the horses that Christopher Columbus brought with him to the New World, at the end of the 15th Century. They are similar to their cousins, the Corolla Wild Horses of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I'll write a brief history from a previous post...
"Spanish and Arabian/Barb horses were brought to the "New World" from the 1519 to mid-century. Horses were carried on the decks of Spanish ships and pushed overboard to swim ashore when the ships got near the shore. In a hostile environment, the Spanish settlers became ill and weakened, unable to care adequately for their livestock. North Carolina´s Outer Banks remained isolated for centuries and have been the last area of the State to be populated to saturation. This means there was little opportunity for adulteration of the Spanish blood line. The shallow sounds and marshes of the Outer Banks, while isolating and separating them from the mainland, were not impassible for young stallions traveling from island to island, gathering satellite herds and setting up new pasturage. Examinations by Veterinarians and horsemen, who are familiar with the Spanish-type horses, reveal too many similarities to ignore.
Our ongoing study of the Corolla herds provides DNA and data on behavioral and temperamental characteristics, which are common to them and to Spanish Barb/Arabian horses. The Corolla Wild Horses carry the distinguishing features of Spanish type horses. Their even temperament, endurance, size, and the startling beauty which crops up frequently in the Banker Horses all point strongly to their dramatic history.

These beautiful wild horses are the remnants of once numerous herds of Spanish stock which ran and roamed free along the pristine sandy islands of our coast of North Carolina. The Spanish Mustang Registry is satisfied that the Banker Horses, in particular the Corolla strain, are as lineally pure to the 16th Century Spanish importations as can be found in North America today."
The Abaco "Barb" Wild Horses lived independently and undisturbed until man disrupted the balance. All, but three were slaughtered in the early 1960s.
They came back to 35 animals by the mid 1990s. But, a hurricane pushed the horses out of their now destroyed forest habitat, where they had thrived for so long, into a lush and toxic citrus plantation that was hurricane-damaged and littered with chemicals, destroyed buildings, too-rich pastures, and poisonous plants.
It was the beginning of the end for the horses. Despite the best efforts of our team, the herd has been reduced to one mare, NUNKI.
The Wild Horses of Abaco Preservation Society, and Arkwild, Inc., need your help to turn this situation around. The world has stayed at arm’s length for long enough; it’s time to step up, to recognize what has been lost, and to save what is still here: the last mare, NUNKI, and her future offspring.
Our voices are the strongest weapon we have. Use it wisely to speak out, to become the voice of the voiceless, and inspire change.
Acts of kindness are the stepping-stones to making the world a better place to live. I am an animal lover and advocate. Can you help "NUNKI"?...I would.
UNTIL WE WRITE AGAIN.
STARRY DAWN.


11 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Oh that is a shame. I always step in a help horses when I can.

Chatty Crone said...

I hate to see that. You sure do know a lot about horses Starry. And Lisa adopted an abused horse!

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Lisa,
I am truly impressed by the fact that you have rescued and helped many horses.
You are a very nice person with a loving and compassionate heart for those living souls in need.
I wish the whole world could be the way you are.
God may always bless you with showers of blessings on your way, and those you love, Lisa.
Blessings & Friendship Love,
Starry.

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Sandie, my sweet dear friend,
I am so glad to see you here visiting this important post about the last Abaco "Barb" Wild Horse in the world, "NUNKI". They used to be a mighty herd of isolated wild horses in Abaco, an island in The Bahamas. They used to run freely with the wind...
Unfortunately, for one reason or another, there is only one mare left in the world. In other words, these extraordinary species of wild horses will face EXTINCTION.
I feel VERY SAD about this plight.
I pray to God to send a miracle over "NUNKI", and save her forever. God bless her beautiful heart of a wild horse in the Abaco Island in The Bahamas.
Warm Hugs,
Starry.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

This is very sad.
Oregon has some wild horses too,, and its very sad for them,.
some horses are captured and people adopt them,, for others its not so good.
i understand
love
tweedles

Dee said...

So sad.....may God surround this lovely creation with protection.

Dee said...

So sad.....may God surround this lovely creation with protection.

Dee said...

So sad.....may God surround this lovely creation with protection.

Starry Dawn said...

Thank you, Tweedles and Dee for reading my posts, lingering in my sites, and expressing your heartfelt thoughts!
You are amazing friends.
God may always bless you with showers of blessings.
In God's Garden,
Poet Starry.

Donna said...

Wishing love for the good horses. :)

JOHN said...

found your blog by reading Chatty Chrones yours is Very nice please stop by and add yourself comments welcomed