EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS

I spent six and a half weeks volunteering at the Donkey Sanctuary on Bonaire.
What struck me most was how sweet and unique all the donkeys are. In just a short time, you really build a bond with them, and every morning it’s special to see their happy faces at feeding time.

The work is very varied: from cutting fruit and distributing hay to bottle-feeding orphan foals or guiding visitors through the care meadow. Working together with the other volunteers and the permanent team made it extra fun.

At first, it takes a little getting used to the heat and working outdoors, but you adjust quickly. And how wonderful it is to take a refreshing dip in the sea after a hard day’s work! Bonaire itself is a beautiful island where you can fully enjoy your free time.

It was a special period that I won’t forget anytime soon and one I look back on with great pleasure!

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'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 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!

My name is Maud, I'm 39 years old, and I spent six weeks volunteering at the wonderful Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. When people ask me, "What did you enjoy doing most?" I have a hard time answering. Seeing the happy faces of 828 donkeys when they get their morning feed, their equally cheerful faces when they get hay, and seeing them even happier when they get fruit twice a day. Feeding the orphaned donkeys milk, watching the little ones run around happily, or just cuddling with the donkeys... I can't choose because it's all been one fantastic and wonderful experience that I've been able to share with a wonderful team.
Six weeks flew by, but this experience will stay with me for the rest of my life, and Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire and all the donkeys have a special place in my heart.

My name is Esmée and I'm 28 years old. I volunteered for six weeks at the Donkey Sanctuary in Bonaire.

Working with donkeys is indescribable; what sweet, funny, and above all, intelligent animals they are! It takes some getting used to at first; you're in the sun all day and physically active—from feeding donkeys, shoveling hay, cleaning pastures, cutting fruit, to feeding the foals. It's a real joy to see all those sweet, happy donkey faces. And to end the workday with a dip in the clear, blue water—that's truly wonderful!

A valuable time during which I learned so much, not only about the donkeys and animal care, but also about myself. I wouldn't have missed this adventure for anything!

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 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!

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!

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.