Hearts and Hooves: A Day at Aruba’s Donkey Sanctuary

As I embarked on my journey to the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba, little did I know that I was about to experience a heartwarming tale of compassion, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. 

This sanctuary not only rescues and cares for these gentle creatures but also fosters a spirit of kindness and compassion. Join me as we dive into the history, significance, and heartwarming efforts of the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba.

A Brief History: Rescuing Donkeys, One Step at a Time

Over 500 years ago, donkeys found their way to Aruba, becoming the island’s primary mode of transportation until cars became prevalent. Sadly, a dangerous illness almost led to their extinction in the 1970s, leaving just 20 wild donkeys behind. As their population slowly recovered, they faced new dangers from increasing human population and traffic. Many donkeys were injured or killed alongside the roads, and some even suffered intentional harm. Fortunately, the Donkey Sanctuary now provides a safe haven, offering each donkey food, water, shelter, medical care, and love. 

General Information About Donkeys: Gentle Guardians of the Island

Typically, donkeys have a lifespan of around 25 to 35 years, though some can live longer with proper care. You can even tell their age by looking at their teeth! Young donkeys have oval teeth, which gradually transform into round ones as they grow older. These social animals thrive in herds, forming close bonds with other donkeys, horses, and even humans. Their social behavior is marked by a strong sense of communication, which includes vocalizations, body language, and ear movements, allowing them to express their emotions effectively. I was surprised by how vocal and loud the donkeys were when I visited. Listening to them communicate with each other, and us, was truly amazing.

Meet the Heard

With over 130 donkeys at the sanctuary, each donkey has a unique story that you can read about online before visiting.

Meet Santa:

In June 2010, Santa experienced a devastating accident when he was hit by a car in San Nicolas. It took the team at the Donkey Sanctuary over 2 ½ years to catch him. Santa’s broken leg received special treatment with injections to bind the fracture together with calcium. He has made a remarkable recovery and is now a content and affectionate donkey, thriving at the sanctuary.

Meet 7-Up:

In 2010, 7-UP arrived at the sanctuary after volunteers received a call about a roaming donkey near Palo Marga Racetrack. Catching her was easy, as she was seriously ill, suffering from anemia. Despite receiving extra care and vitamins, her condition did not improve. However, a surprise awaited as 7-UP was discovered to be around five months pregnant. Tragically, she lost her baby. After her miscarriage, 7-UP regained her strength and is now completely recovered and living at the sanctuary. 

Adoption Program: Fostering Lifelong Bonds

After learning about each donkey’s story, I felt a special connection to them. When I talked to the manager, Desiree, she mentioned their adoption program. The sanctuary cares for all of the donkeys with no external funding, relying solely on sponsors, donations, and adoptions. To support the donkeys’ needs, the adoption program was established, allowing anyone to adopt a donkey for $200 per year. There are many donkeys that are still in need of adoption and need our help!

Volunteer Opportunities: A Chance to Make a Difference

One of the most unique experiences the Donkey Sanctuary offers is their volunteer program. When Desiree was explaining the program to me, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if I was a part of this amazing program. The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba has earned the prestigious Quality Label for European Solidarity Corps (ESC), which allows them to  access  EU funds for hosting volunteers at the sanctuary. Young adults from across the EU can now partake in volunteer programs, both in Europe and Aruba. To learn more about this opportunity, click here. 

For those who aren’t able to apply for this opportunity, don’t worry! If you arrive at the sanctuary early enough, you can help with the daily chores of feeding and caring for the donkeys. For all other volunteer questions, you can contact desiree@arubandonkey.org

Important Information for Visitors

After visiting the sanctuary, I wanted to include some tips and general information you need to know before visiting. The sanctuary is open daily to visitors, and there is no admission fee. Donations, however, are greatly appreciated and contribute to the ongoing care of the donkeys. You should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes to explore the sanctuary’s grounds comfortably. As the sun can be intense, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and of course, carrots for the donkeys! You can also pay $1 for a small bucket of feed or $3 for a large bucket. I chose to purchase the larger bucket and it was the perfect amount! It’s also super important to wash your hands at the handwashing station afterwards!

Let’s Be a Voice for Aruba’s Donkeys

Learning about the donkey’s stories and seeing Desiree’s passion for this nonprofit made me realize how important animals are to Aruba’s culture. As I was about to leave the sanctuary, a little girl approached me and asked if I wanted to feed the donkeys. I told her that I was actually on my way out, but I could tell she wanted me to stay with her. I soon learned that she was scared of the donkeys and was watching me feed them earlier. So, I asked her if she wanted to feed them together. She was hesitant at first, but after watching me, she was willing to do it. We extended our hands together towards the donkeys and fed them. The little girl laughed about how the donkey’s mouth tickled her hand and ran to her parent’s to tell them what she accomplished. This small moment proves that nonprofits like the Donkey Sanctuary provide educational experiences for people of all ages.

This sanctuary serves as a beacon of hope, proving that love and care can transform lives and protect those most vulnerable in our society. Let’s come together to ensure that these gentle guardians of the island continue to thrive and find a safe home at the sanctuary. Together, we can be a voice for Aruba’s donkeys, inspiring others to embrace the spirit of kindness and compassion that defines the heartwarming culture of Aruba. 

A special thank you to Desiree for meeting with me and sharing both her personal story and the story of the sanctuary with me. This was a very special moment for me on my trip to Aruba and I will remember it forever!

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba Social Media: Instagram & Facebook

Until next time,
Cassie 🙂

All photos taken by Cassidy Wilson unless otherwise noted.