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

This place is well worth visiting and contributing to.
I have been so impressed over the years how wonderful Marina is to take care of all these animals. This is one of the reasons I love to travel to Bonaire. I know there are kind people watching out for the animal welfare on this island, unlike other places I have traveled. I get sad on vacation when I see the suffering of unattended animals and feel helpless to change the situation.

heidilotus

Worth the effort
We loved this place, went through twice. The donkeys are looking to be fed and you are just the person to do it. There is not a plethora of things to do on the island but I would do this again even if there were. The owners are pleasant and helpful and genuinely care for the animals. It was a blast.

Yourluckyday

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