Our mission and work for the donkeys
A safe, dignified life for all donkeys on Bonaire
Since 1993, Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has been dedicated to the well-being of Bonaire’s donkeys. Our mission is to give every donkey a safe home-free from neglect, hunger, injury, and loneliness.
Donkeys have been part of the island for centuries, but they often live in difficult circumstances. We take in sick, injured, and orphaned donkeys, providing them with medical care, food, clean drinking water, and above all: peace and quiet.
We also focus on awareness and education. We educate residents, tourists, and schools about the behavior, needs, and importance of donkeys in nature and society. Because only together can we ensure a more animal-friendly Bonaire.
WHAT WE DO
We provide lifelong sanctuary for sick, injured, and orphaned donkeys. When a donkey in need is reported, our team responds. If it's possible to help the animal on-site, possibly in conjunction with a veterinarian, we do so. If the donkey requires intensive care, we take it to our sanctuary. There, it receives the care it needs: medical treatment, sufficient food, clean drinking water, and a large area where it can roam freely.
Sick and injured donkeys receive loving care, often with the help of a veterinarian. Orphaned foals are bottle-fed and stay with us for life. To prevent overpopulation, all stallions are castrated. Once recovered, the donkeys can live out their lives safely at the sanctuary. At our park, they find peace, space, and safety.
Since our founding, hundreds of donkeys have been rescued from the streets. Sadly, some donkeys are too sick or injured to recover. In those cases, we provide a dignified and humane end, covering all costs of care.
The work of Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire remains, even today, very necessary.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
In addition to daily care, we focus on awareness and education. We provide information to tourists, locals, and especially children. For 26 years, we've been collaborating with STINAPA within the NME (Nature, Environment & Education) program. Schools use a special “donkey lesson kit” with four classes. The final lesson is a field trip to our park, where children meet donkeys up close. Children get up close and personal with the donkeys, as well as tortoises, iguanas, and flamingos. In this way, we hope to contribute to knowledge and awareness about the importance of proper care for these animals on Bonaire.
We also work closely with the Bonaire government, veterinarians, and other organizations to realize sustainable solutions for the welfare of all donkeys on the island.
OUR TEAM
A small, dedicated team is responsible for the daily care of over 800 donkeys. Our staff work tirelessly every day to feed the animals, provide medical care, maintain the grounds, and welcome visitors. With love, care, and patience, they make sure every donkey feels safe and free.
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Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire was founded in 1993 by Marina Melis and Ed Koopman. Their dream grew into a unique place on the island, where animal welfare and awareness are central. To this day, their commitment is the foundation of everything we do.
We are also grateful for the help of volunteers and interns from the Netherlands. They support our work in the park, in the shelter, and in our interactions with visitors.
Via the button below you can meet our employees and read how you can contribute as a volunteer or intern.
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
Become a sponsor of Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. Can your company help?
Caring for over 800 donkeys is only possible with your support, not only financially, but also in the form of practical support. That's why we're always looking for companies willing to contribute, either financially or with products and materials.
Besides specific "donkey products" like hay, alfalfa, and medical care, we also need all sorts of other supplies necessary for our daily work. Think of cleaning supplies, site lighting, or even a car for volunteers.
In exchange for your help:
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Will we mention your company name and logo on our website?
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If desired, will your name be mentioned in the park (e.g. on sponsored material)?
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We would be happy to help you think about additional publicity surrounding your sponsorship.
For more information about what we need to care for our donkeys, and how you as a company can help and support us, click the button below.
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ANBI STATUS
Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is officially recognized as a Public Benefit Organization (ANBI) under the official name Stichting Donkeyshelp (RSIN 823772500). This status means we meet the requirements of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration and operate with complete transparency.
Benefits for donors in the Netherlands:
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Gifts (such as adoptions, donations and one-off contributions) are deductible from income tax, within the applicable limits.
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Periodic donations via notarial deed are fully deductible.
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Inheritances and legacies are exempt from inheritance tax, so your contribution goes entirely to the donkeys.
Our ANBI status has been in effect since January 1, 2009. View our annual reports via the button below.
DONORS' INTERESTS FOUNDATION
Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is proud to be affiliated with the Donor Interests Foundation. This affiliation highlights our respect for donors and confirms our commitment to the Donor Interests Moral Compass.
We are committed to ethical and donor-focused fundraising, prioritizing transparency, respect, and care. Thanks to our donors, we can work daily on our mission: protecting and caring for the donkeys on Bonaire.
Because we adhere to the desired behavior, we are allowed to use the official Donor Interests Badge in our communications.
For more information: www.donateursbelangen.nl
As a donor, you can join the online Donor Interests community for free and contribute to a strong and fair giving culture. Want to join? Click the button below.
NEWS AND ANNUAL REPORTS
You can download our newsletter using the button below! Every year, we publish two newsletters for those who sponsor us, have adopted a donkey, or simply care about us.
At Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, we believe it's important to be open and responsible with your support. That's why we're happy to share how we work, what we stand for, and how we use the contributions of donors, sponsors, and visitors. We have official ANBI status (Public Benefit Organization) and are affiliated with the Donor Interests Foundation (Stichting Donateursbelangen). This means we meet the requirements for transparency, allocation, and accountability.