EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS

During the summer break from my studies, I spent six weeks volunteering at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. Flying alone for the first time was quite nerve-racking for me. Fortunately, Marina and the team gave me a very warm welcome. In the morning, the donkeys in the park greet you, and in the evening they come by to visit you at your little house.
A day at the sanctuary includes feeding the donkeys and showing visitors around the care meadow, among other things. My favourite task was handing out bread to the donkeys. As soon as they smell the bread, they start braying with excitement.
I learned and experienced so much as a volunteer at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. From waking up in the morning to the surprise of a newborn foal in the mother-and-foal meadow, to rescue operations where you are confronted with the living conditions of Bonaire’s wild donkeys. During this period, I also learned a lot about myself and met some wonderful people.
All in all, volunteering at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire was an experience I will never forget.

I really enjoyed doing six weeks of volunteer work at the donkey sanctuary on Bonaire. After visiting the donkeys last year, I immediately knew that after my studies I wanted to come back and volunteer here for a few weeks.
 
At the end of February, the time had come and I started here. The first week took some getting used to because of the heat and the physical work, but I quickly adapted!
 
The work was varied, from shoveling hay bales and sorting fruit to feeding the donkeys. Seeing their happy little faces truly makes your day complete!
I really loved this experience and look back on it with a big smile.

After volunteering at the Donkey Sanctuary for almost five months last time, I was able to return for a month. When I arrived, my familiar bed was already made for me, so it felt like coming home.
 
I loved being back among the donkeys for a few weeks. It was still hard work, but all the sweet donkeys, each with their own unique personality, made the work incredibly enjoyable!
 
As a veterinary student, in addition to my regular duties, I was able to observe the vet's visits a few times and even assist with castrations. This was a very educational experience. Unfortunately, the time has flown by, so I definitely hope to be able to return sometime!

I volunteered for 4.5 weeks at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. It was an amazing experience to work together with the team and care for the donkeys every day. From feeding them to rescuing several baby donkeys and their mothers.
The first week was challenging. I felt homesick, and the physical work in the heat was quite tough at first. But soon I found my rhythm, and time just flew by. Donkeys are incredibly special animals, very intelligent, unique, funny, and of course a little stubborn. They all have their own personalities, which become more and more visible the longer you’re there. It’s incredibly rewarding work, especially seeing their happy faces every day.
 
I look back on a very special experience that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss and that was extremely educational. Marina and team, thank you for the fantastic time!

I'm Cliff, 20 years old, and I volunteered for two months at the donkey sanctuary on Bonaire. What an amazing time it was! It's so special to work with the donkeys. You work with such sweet donkeys and a great team!

And of course, you're on a beautiful island, with some truly stunning sights to see! It's also wonderful to be able to just take a quick dip in the sea after work. Your work here involves everything from brushing a donkey to welcoming tourists, cutting fruit for the donkeys, or feeding the foals. Don't be afraid to get a little dirty; you'll be working outdoors (and with donkeys, of course). I really enjoyed it. It's a unique experience!

My name is Roos, I'm 19 years old, and I did an 11-week internship at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. I'm studying Animal Behavior at Yuverta and was given the opportunity to do an internship abroad as part of my studies. I thought it would be fantastic, and that's how I ended up at Donkey Sanctuary.
The first few weeks I had to get used to the heat, but living among the donkeys was fantastic. You're never alone! On my days off, I could explore the island and take a refreshing dip in the sea after work.

I felt immediately welcome upon arrival. The team is fantastic: everyone has the same goal and is 100% dedicated to the donkeys. I learned a lot and had a wonderful time. I recommend everyone to come and help the donkeys!

After 30 years behind a desk, I decided to volunteer at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire – and I wouldn't miss it for a second.

Donkeys are intelligent, unique, and incredibly sweet. They get to know you, come visit, and keep you company. The work is physical and intense, but wonderful to do. After a few weeks, you'll get the hang of it and also care for the older ones and those who need extra attention.

It was wonderful to build a close bond with the other volunteers and the regular team. We shared many wonderful moments. I returned with renewed energy and often think of Mickey, Scott, Cala, and everyone else.

During the months of March and April, I volunteered at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. In the Netherlands, I have an office job, but I have no problem stepping out of my comfort zone, and this was my chance to do something completely different – especially something involving animals and donkeys!
 

Wow, what a fantastic experience! Discovering that donkeys are so sweet and relaxed, as well as intelligent and curious, was a truly special experience for me. The physical work took some getting used to, but with the motto ‘Anything for the donkeys,’ everything works out just fine!

That’s what you do it for: the donkeys. And you get so much love in return! It was also very educational and enjoyable to work together with the other team members.

I wouldn’t have missed this experience for the world. Saying goodbye to these beautiful, sweet and cuddly animals was a little difficult for me. So I would definitely do it again if I get the chance!

My six weeks as a volunteer at the Donkey Sanctuary on Bonaire were an amazing experience. The work could be physically demanding at times, but it was made worthwhile every day by the sweet donkeys. It was special to discover how smart and curious they are.
 
It was also a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and learn new things. I shared a lot of laughs with everyone. I loved seeing how the dedicated team works hard for the donkeys, both inside and outside the sanctuary.
 
Looking back, I think of this period with a big smile. A meaningful, fun, and valuable experience that I won’t forget anytime soon.

In March and April, I volunteered at the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. Back home in the Netherlands, I have an office job, but I have no problem stepping out of my comfort zone and this was my chance to do something completely different, especially something involving animals and donkeys! Wow, what a fantastic experience and adventure. Realizing how sweet, calm, intelligent, and curious donkeys are was truly a beautiful and special experience for me.
 
The physical work took some getting used to, but with the motto: “Everything for the donkeys,” it all works out just fine! That’s what you do it for — the donkeys — and you receive an enormous amount of love in return! It was also very educational and enjoyable to work together with the team. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this experience for the world. Saying goodbye to these beautiful, sweet cuddle animals was a little emotional for me. So if I get the chance, I would definitely do it again.

My name is Natasja and I'm 29 years old. I volunteered for six weeks and found it a very educational experience. The work is varied and I really enjoyed working with the donkeys. I learned how to care for wounds, participated in rescue operations, and handled daily tasks like giving tours of the care pasture, feeding, and shoveling hay.

The first week took some getting used to because of the physical work and the heat, but you get used to it quickly. A dip in the sea after work feels like a real reward for all the hard work.
It's a great team to work with, and everyone shares the same passion for donkeys. I want to thank Marina and her team for the fantastic time!

My name is Nelleke, I am 51 years old and I celebrated my birthday on Bonaire during my adventure at the donkey sanctuary.

After a few challenging years in the Netherlands, I was ready for a break. I asked if this was also suitable for "older" volunteers – and it was! From the very first contact, it felt good. The first few weeks were tough because of the heat and the physical work, but I'm so glad I persevered. The donkeys and colleagues were patient and helped me settle in. After that, I thoroughly enjoyed myself: the work, the camaraderie, and the island.
I stayed for almost three months and look back on it as a wonderful experience. It gave me so much; I wouldn't have wanted to miss it for the world!

My name is Chloë, 22 years old, and I volunteered for 6 weeks at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire.

I've thoroughly enjoyed these past few weeks – the donkeys, the team, and the island. It took some getting used to the heat and the physical work, but I soon found myself loving being outdoors: feeding donkeys, shoveling hay, cleaning pastures, milking foals, and showing visitors around.

After a long day in the sun, a dip in the blue water was the ultimate treat. It was a spontaneous decision to come, but I don't regret it for a moment.

Working with these smart, sweet animals and a friendly team was special. I recommend it to everyone!