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In 1993 Dutch Nationals, Marina Melis and her husband Ed Koopman,...
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.
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.
At this moment there are more than 400 donkeys living in Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. They are provided with food, drinking water and medical care and have plenty of room and freedom.
When a report arrives about a live wild donkey in distress, volunteers are sent to the rescue. Sick and wounded animals are nursed and, where necessary, a vet is called upon to give medical attention. Orphaned foals are raised with a baby bottle. All stallions that arrive at the sanctuary are castrated to avoid expansion of the numbers of donkeys in care. Once the animals are recovered, they are lucky enough to spend the rest of their lives lovingly cared for at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire.
In all the years Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has been active, a lot has already been achieved. Hundreds of donkeys were saved from the streets in miserable condition and were given a safe life in the sanctuary. Too bad there were also many donkeys that suffered from so severe illness or injuries, that they could not be cured. Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire paid for these animals the cost of putting them to sleep by a vet, so at least they were released from suffering any longer.
We have visited the sanctuary before and find it to be wonderful. The people running it, care deeply for the donkeys and do their best to care for them. We visited the babies... read more
Contributor
8 reviews
4 helpful votes
We have visited the sanctuary before and find it to be wonderful. The people running it, care deeply for the donkeys and do their best to care for them. We visited the babies and spoke with a young woman who was very knowledgeable about their care and upbringing. We choose to bring carrots with us and loved feeding them.
Instead...
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Thank Christine E
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Contributor
3 reviews
Marina and her entire staff do a fabulous job of caring for all of the donkeys! Their care and concern is obvious in every interaction. As a visitor, feeding the donkeys is so much fun! Their enthusiasm is overwhelming and awesome. I highly recommend everyone who comes to Bonaire spend a day with the donkeys!
Thank Coolbreeze J
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Contributor
7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
6 helpful votes
Highly recommend. There are approximately 600 donkeys in the sanctuary, which you drive slowly through. Be sure to get carrots ($3 per bag) and at least a bale of hay to put on your tail gate if you rented a pick up truck for scuba gear ($10 for hay bale). You could bring your own carrots from the grocery store,...
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Thank sms65965
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Contributor
10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes
Sadly were unable to visit you but we drove past every day and your work can only be respected. We did find time to donate though! Thank you for helping the donkeys! Our favourite memory from bonaire is the road signs..... Let op.. overstekende ezels.. Smile 😊
Thank Greg G
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Contributor
2 reviews Great place to visit. For animal lovers and couple with kids. 600 rescued donkeys from Bonaire. The experience is great! It feels like a game drive in a donkey safari. This work should be supported and is fun to visit. Save some carrots for the end!!! You will find out what I mean.
Thank juls H
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Contributor
21 reviews
5 attraction reviews
7 helpful votes
For a $7 entry you will not find a more enjoyable way to spend your afternoon, we loved it and hated to leave! Before you go stop and buy carrots or if you forget, you can buy them there. We first went to see the newly born baby donkey and then took an hour drive through the park, it was...
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Thank Barry B
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Contributor
70 reviews
30 attraction reviews
16 helpful votes
We went to the donkey sanctuary today and were very impressed by their professional operation that is taking care of over 600 donkeys that they have rescued from the island. We bought carrots and sliced them up before we came to the sanctuary your carrots will go really fast the donkeys that wait by the gate will follow your car...
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Thank Mudweiser
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Contributor
31 reviews
16 attraction reviews
15 helpful votes
I grew up around donkeys so I have a fond appreciation for them. The fact that these folks work so hard to protect and provide a good life for these beautiful animals is awesome. I like to make a donation and or adoption of a donkey with each visit to help support the operation. Great visit, always brings a smile...
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Thank jaredaggie
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Contributor
98 reviews
8 attraction reviews
49 helpful votes
My wife and I visited with our grandson and were thoroughly entertained. The staff are very nice and informative. Make sure you climb up the lookout tower, it provides a great shot of the Donkeys and the the island.
Thank GRB3
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Contributor
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
This sanctuary helps protect the large donkey population on Bonaire, so your money will go to a good cause. There are hundreds of donkeys that have been rescued on the island. The donkeys are very friendly and go right up to you. You can take pictures and pet the donkeys. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable about the donkeys...
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1
Thank Harry S
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