Donkeysanctuary Bonaire

What we do

The primary objective of Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is to offer a sheltered, protected life to all the donkeys of Bonaire. Our information about the lives and experiences of donkeys is also raising awareness amongst the local community, schools and tourists.

Who we are

In 1993 Dutch Nationals, Marina Melis and her husband Ed Koopman, established a donkey sanctuary on Bonaire for sick, wounded and orphaned donkeys: Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire.

Thanks to all our supporters, donators and sponsors which have supported us. Read here how you can support us. Here you can read more about our people and sponsors.

Visit us

You are very welcome to visit Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. We would be happy to welcome you in our little shop and tell you about the work that we do. Here you can also buy nice souvenirs of which all profits of course benefit the donkeys.

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is open for visitors daily from 10.00 until 17.00 hours. Entrance is possible until 16.00 hours. Your tour can be done by car, scooter of bike. Of course you can also make a walk through the park. Quads are not allowed.

Next you can make a tour with your own car amongst the hundreds of donkeys in our big park. The animals will gladly come over to meet you and to put their snouts through the car windows, hoping you brought them something nice to eat. If wanted you can buy carrots from us to feed to the donkeys. If you do so, you will definitely make many new friends in a minute!

Testimonials

Don't Miss The Donkey Sanctuary!
My wife and I loved the Donkey Sanctuary. The volunteers working there were very nice and they are very appreciative of the support provided by visitors. Interesting story about how the donkey's ended up here and why this sanctuary is needed, which they tell you. You have to drive slow in the sanctuary and occasionally honk at a donkey or...

DorianBlue

Very fun way to spend your morning or afternoon
This is so fun! This non-profit sanctuary has around 600 donkeys, from newborn fouls to the elderly (they have a few over 40 years old). You stop at a little gift shop and get a small introduction to the donkeys and the sanctuary, then you drive through. The donkeys are waiting for you when you drive in and come right..

Katie M

Bring carrots, and they will chase your car!
Good cause...donkeys were used as beasts of burden years back...now, they wander the island, but the sanctuary keeps them safe. You will still see them in the wild, but it is nice to know that someone is caring for them. A fun visit, particularly for small kids.

terrysherman