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Donkey Sanctuary Aruba: A Haven for Gentle Souls

Meet Aruba's rescued donkeys at this heartwarming sanctuary. A unique and memorable experience for animal lovers of all ages.

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The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba offers a heartwarming experience, providing a safe haven for over 130 rescued donkeys. Visitors can interact with these gentle creatures, learn about their history on the island, and support the sanctuary's vital work through donations and adoptions.

A brief summary to Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and possibly help with the morning feeding.
  • Bring apples and carrots to feed the donkeys; they especially love these treats.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven terrain.
  • Consider symbolically adopting a donkey to support the sanctuary's mission.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Arikok National Park for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the hotel area in Noord, a taxi to the Donkey Sanctuary in Bringamosa is approximately a 25-minute drive. Taxis in Aruba do not have meters; rates are fixed and should be checked in advance. The minimum fare is Afl 12.60 / US$7.00. A typical taxi fare from the hotel area to Santa Cruz is around USD $26. There may be an additional charge of Afl 3.60 / US$2.00 per piece of luggage.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Donkey Sanctuary via public transport, take the Arubus route L3A from Oranjestad to Santa Cruz. The bus departs hourly and the journey takes approximately 6 minutes. From the bus stop in Santa Cruz, you will need to take a taxi or walk to the sanctuary in Bringamosa, which is a few kilometers away. A bus ride from Oranjestad to Santa Cruz costs Afl 12.60 / US$7.00.

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Discover more about Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, protecting, and caring for donkeys on the island. Founded in 1997, the sanctuary arose from a need to protect the donkey population, which had dwindled to near extinction due to illness and the decline of their traditional role as transportation. For 500 years, donkeys were essential to daily life in Aruba, serving as the primary mode of transport and hauling goods. Today, the sanctuary provides a loving home for over 130 donkeys, offering food, shelter, and medical care. Each donkey receives a name and individual attention, and many enjoy being petted and fed by visitors. The sanctuary operates daily, offering a unique opportunity to connect with these gentle animals and learn about their history and importance to Aruba. Visitors can also relax on the covered porch, enjoy refreshments, and browse the gift shop, with proceeds supporting the sanctuary's mission. The Donkey Sanctuary is more than just a refuge; it's an educational center where visitors can learn about animal welfare and conservation. The sanctuary also offers a unique "Adopt a Donkey" program, allowing individuals to support the care of a specific donkey through donations. This initiative helps fund the sanctuary's efforts and allows visitors to form a special bond with their adopted animal. The sanctuary is located in Bringamosa, a short drive from Arikok National Park and other attractions.

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