Kona Historical Society has something to sing about. The nonprofit has given its new baby donkey a name: Mele. The name was announced after Kona Historical Society conducted a three-week voting contest on its website and at its Kona Coffee
Kona Historical Society has something to sing about. The nonprofit has given its new baby donkey a name: Mele. The name was announced after Kona Historical Society conducted a three-week voting contest on its website and at its Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook.
Mele was the top contender, generating a total of 640 votes. The name was nominated by Cindy Wittemore, Ashley Chamberlain, Donna S. Starr and Jiraphon G on Kona Historical Society’s and the farm’s Facebook Pages.
“Many Kona coffee farmers used Mele as their name for female donkeys,” said Miki Izu, a local kupuna, long-time coffee farmer and Kona Historical Society volunteer. Mele also refers to the chants, poems, and songs of Native Hawaiians. The new donkey’s braying song reminds the society’s staff of Kona’s rich traditions.
In addition to Mele, the public was given four other options, including Shizu (262 votes), Florence (174 votes), Lucy (160 votes) and Manini (18 votes). Each vote required a $1 donation. Voters generated $1,254, which will be used for animal care and Kona Historical Society’s educational programs and other needs.
The 7-month-old female donkey arrived Jan. 31 at the Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm and was the result of a crowdfunding campaign, which sought a companion for the historic farm’s approximately 30-year-old donkey, Charlie, and upgrades to his home.
