Camila August-September 2024

Desiree, I wanted to thank you again for receiving me at the sanctuary and giving me the opportunity to get to know Aruba, it was my first volunteer experience and it was just as I always imagined it would be, I met great people, made friends and enjoyed my stay on the island a lot. Above all, I think what caused me the most sadness was saying goodbye to the donkeys since I didn't think I would form such a great feeling towards them, they are incredible and I really admire the work you have created in the sanctuary. My best energies always you and the Donkey Sanctuary that was my home for a month and a half. I hope to return one day if possible, (with better English) thank you very much for everything

Lisa January - July 2024

If you ever have any doubts about volunteering with the donkeys in Aruba, I would say do it!!!!!! Because it's really great!! The work is fun and you wouldn't think so, but it is also quite varied, the team of other volunteers are really great. All of them are just nice people who are all very enthusiastic and would love to tell you everything and show you the whole island with love.
You are often not alone in the apartment, usually you have a nice neighbor.
The manager Desiree is really great and has a heart of gold, she is  always there for you. In short, it really is an experience and something where I learned a lot in 6 months and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Ayo!!!

Fred March - April 2024

I volunteered and lived here for 1.5months and give it 10/10!!! I have never experienced anything like it. For the accommodation you work 4 hours 5x per week. During the work you can let your mind wander loosely (especially during poop scooping which I enjoyed the most). The team and the manager Desiree are incredibly friendly, welcoming and genuine people.

If you're on the fence of applying I can only highly advise you to go for it! I know it can be frightening to go for new experiences like that at first but I did it and soo happy for this fruitful experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life!


Greetings from Germany,
Fred

Maya January - March 2023

I spent 2 months volunteering at the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba. We would work 5 days a week and have 2 days off. Every morning we would divide the work among volunteers and decide who is doing which task today. We would start our day at 9pm by feeding donkeys and cleaning their water area. After that, we would do poop scooping and believe me that can be fun with good company helping you out. We would talk to visitors and answer any of their questions about donkeys or Donkey Sanctuary, we would help them find the perfect gift in our Souvenir shop or help them get the perfect picture with donkeys. After work we would have time to enjoy and explore the beautiful island and its secrets. The whole volunteering team at the Donkey Sanctuary is awesome and understanding. I made some great friends whom I miss already. Our boss lady, Desiree is great. She will help you with everything you need or you want to know. These 2 months for me were full of fun, work and amazing moments. I came home with a lot of stories and beautiful memories of Aruba and the Donkey sanctuary. Definitely want to come again and help with the cause. 

Melissa October 2022

After staying a few hours on Aruba during a layover, I knew I had to come back, I really wanted to volunteer at the Island. Then I found the option to volunteer at the Donkey sanctuary on the government website. One call with Desiree later and everything was set. Volunteering at the sanctuary made my Aruba experience unforgettable. Volunteering is a different way of getting to know a country, and I would recommend it to everyone. At the sanctuary the rooms are very nice and there is enough free time to explore the beautiful island with the provided car. But most importantly, it is just amazing to be surrounded by the donkeys day and night and to meet a lot of great people. I will definitely come back!

Saga Januari to April 2021

I volunteered at Donkey Sanctuary Aruba for about three months, (14th of January til 14th of April) and I had the time of my life, here is why; I first arrived with little to no expectations since, for me, working with animals, especially with Donkeys, was completely new and unfamiliar to me. But immediately when I arrived, I became amazed by the organization and the place by itself as well as I fell in love with the Donkeys! One of the best parts about this experience was definitely the living accommodation! The two modern apartments located above the visitor's center meant that you were actually living with the donkeys which was awesome! After waking up in the morning, I'd go down and greet the donkey, who always came up to me because they knew breakfast was about to be served in just a moment Apart from working with the donkey and hang with the visitor's during the opening hours I especially enjoyed just being with the donks and cuddle with the cats after we closed for the day, the place is definitely beyond gorgeous, with magical pink skies after every sunset. The outdoor kitchen was definitely where I spent much time hanging out with the other volunteers, chatting, playing games and cooking of course. Another perk with living at the sanctuary was the access to a car that the volunteers shared, many amazing trips was made with that car taking us every from beaches after the shifts to the national park for a hike to natural pool, as well as into the city for beach tennis or dinners. I would truly recommend this to everyone who considers going to Aruba, go with your friends or by yourself a volunteer at the Donkey Sanctuary!

Lukas October 2020 - June 2021

During my stay in Aruba I had the pleasure to volunteer and live at the sanctuary. Staying at the apartments allows you to live in a peaceful and beautiful environment that I can only describe as calm. Even if you come alone, you will never be lonely staying at the apartments, the donkeys and cats will provide you with more entertainment and company than I could’ve ever imagined.  

Working at the sanctuary you will come across many different personalities and with time you will get to know many of the different donkeys that makes the sanctuary as special as it is. As a volunteer you get to feed the donkeys, clean, help them with their medication and interact with visitors! I learned so much while volunteering and grew a bond to the donkeys and the people that make the sanctuary possible that I will cherish forever. 

Kerstin June - July 2020

I still feel honored to be the very first volunteer staying at the Sanctuary at my first visit in 2020. One year later I returned for six weeks in July/August 2021, both times were best times ever. I love to stay among the adorable donkeys, hearing them at night, watching them in the morning from the rooftop right after waking up, this was definitely my favorite time of the day.  

Work was fun, I mostly appreciated to assist the vet and take care for medical treatments, I learned a lot to take home for my own donkeys. I was lucky to meet a lot of very nice people at the Sanctuary, the staff was very helpful and made me feel warmly welcome. And I love to explore this wonderful island with the volunteer‘s car. Wish to come back someday!