The donkeys on Bonaire and our sanctuary
From foal to senior, the life of the donkeys in our park
Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is home to more than 800 donkeys, each of them finding a safe home after a life full of challenges. Some were injured in the wild, others were orphaned or simply abandoned. Every donkey that comes to us receives the care, peace, and space they need for the rest of their lives.
Donkeys are remarkable animals: smart, curious, and sensitive. They have an excellent memory and recognize people and places even after many years. Did you know that donkeys form close friendships and dislike being alone? That's why you often see them cuddling in groups or grooming each other in our park.
A visit to the park will teach you about their behavior, temperament, and care. Want to make an even bigger difference? Adopt a donkey! Choose your favorite and receive a certificate, photos, and updates. This way, you'll build a special bond and directly contribute to their well-being.
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HISTORY
Donkeys have lived on Bonaire for centuries. Originally brought in as working animals, they became redundant with the arrival of motorized transport. Many donkeys were released into the wild and left to fend for themselves.
In the wild, these animals face harsh conditions: food shortages, road hazards, heat, disease, and injury. Moreover, the island's expanding population is diminishing their habitat.
At Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, we want to offer these animals a dignified alternative: a place where they are safe, cared for, and can live in freedom.
HOW WE CARE FOR THEM
Each donkey gets exactly what it needs
Our donkeys receive loving care every day from a small, dedicated team. This begins early in the morning, at 7:30, with a nutritious breakfast: specially formulated pellets tailored to our animals' dietary needs.
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Orphans receive starter feed and foal milk from Pavo, tailored to young donkeys without a mother.
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Older donkeys (30+) are given special pellets for seniors, sometimes diluted with water to make it easier to eat.
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During the day the donkeys receive additional vegetables and fruit.
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At 3:00 PM, high-quality alfalfa hay is served.
Did you know that our donkeys eat over 20,000 kilos of pellets and 30,000 kilos of hay every month? All of this feed is imported from the Netherlands and comes at a high cost. Thanks to donations and adoptions, we can afford this enormous amount of feed and continue to care for all our residents.
Behind the scenes: feeding time!
ADOPT A DONKEY
Choose your favorite donkey and support its care.
Would you like to support a donkey in a personal way?
Then choose one of our sweet donkeys to adopt. With an annual contribution of
USD 175,00 you help cover their food, medical care, and shelter. You'll receive an adoption certificate, photos, and regular updates about your donkey. Adoptions also make a wonderful gift!
CHOOSE YOUR ADOPTIVE DONKEY
Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is a non-profit organization. We rely on entrance fees, proceeds from the souvenir shop, donations, and the work of volunteers. By adopting a donkey, you support us. Choose your donkey from the list below and click to open the adoption form. You'll then be taken to an adoption form, where you'll also find more information about the adoption process.
A donkey can have multiple adoptive parents, but your contribution will benefit all donkeys. Your donations and gifts may be tax-deductible, as we are designated as an ANBI (Public Benefit Organization) .
HOW DOES A DONKEY ADOPTION WORK?
If you arrange the adoption with us at the park, you can choose a donkey that appeals to you. If you adopt through our shop or this website, you can choose from the donkeys we've already described. Click here to choose your donkey.
Are you visiting us? We'd be happy to show you the donkey you've chosen. This is only possible if a permanent staff member is available (our rotating team doesn’t know all the donkeys) and if time allows, we work hard every day! We should also mention that sometimes your donkey might be relaxing in the middle of the park among the thorny bushes. We'll do our best, but we can't guarantee anything.
Adoption costs $175 (or €165) per year. Of course, we’d love it if you continued supporting your donkey for many years, but you decide annually whether to renew your adoption. If you don't, the adoption automatically ends.