Bonaire – The Donkeys

Donkeys have been living on Bonaire for hundreds of years. The animals were originally brought over by the Spaniards in the 17th century and used to perform hard labor. Once modern transport made these animals superfluous to requirements they were left to their lot. Because these donkeys have been left and abandoned, there are many who just roam the areas looking for food where they can. Many are sick and need medical assistance. In 1993, a Dutch couple, Marina Melis and her husband Ed Coopman, established the Donkey Sanctuary of Bonaire. Today, there are over 400 donkeys who call the Donkey Sanctuary home. They are healthy and are thriving.

Not only are there over 400 donkeys who reside at the Donkey Sanctuary, but you can still see many roaming around freely too. Bonaire’s donkeys are world famous. These free roaming, wild donkeys can be found roaming wild on the island and are a perfect “vacation memory” for the island visitors. But island residents also have much love for the island’s “historic donkeys”. The donkeys are an integral part of Bonaire, its eco-system, and heritage and have always been naturally free and wild. When man interfered, the problems started. The donkeys have been identified as a “unique genetic resource” and a “unique legacy from past generations”. Bonaire’s wild donkeys have co-existed with man on Bonaire for close to 500 years.

We saw a lot of the donkeys. We also had some very curious ones come right up to the car window, looking for love and looking for whatever goodies we had to share. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any goodies, but we did offer them some much needed love and attention. They seemed very happy with that. These donkeys are right outside the airport.

What ya doin? Do you have something yummy for me to eat?

Let me give you some donkey kisses.

The donkeys were fun to see. We kept seeing them when of course we didn’t have our cameras with us, but as you can now see, we finally caught them with our lens. I had no idea about their history with the island, but now, we all do. I just love to learn new things, and better yet, to share them with all of you.

Have a great day. Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.