From our news services
Legend has it the Ocracoke Banker ponies arrived in the Outer Banks with shipwrecked explorers in the 16th or 17th century, and they’ve called the Ocracoke Island home ever since. While many of these early ponies were claimed by residents, some were left to roam wild.
The National Park Service took over their care and maintenance in the 1960s to keep them safe as the island’s human population continued to grow.
Now, anyone can help these beautiful and unique ponies by symbolically adopting an Ocracoke pony through Outer Banks Forever, the nonprofit that supports the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Supporting the ponies – individually or the herd – will help to pay for their ongoing care and feeding.
When you Adopt A Pony with a gift of $45 or more, you will receive an adoption certificate and a picture of your pony or the herd to keep.
Learn more about the history of the ponies here.
In an effort to be environmentally friendly and ensure more of your donation goes directly to the ponies, the foundation is offering a digital photo and certificate option. Just click the “Digital Option” checkbox on the last screen before you complete your gift, and a photo and certificate will be emailed to you or your honoree.
If you would like your mailed photo and certificate to arrive in time for Christmas, please make your adoption no later than Friday, Dec. 9.
Outer Banks Forever is an official partner of Outer Banks national parks, helping to protect and enhance these special places.
