![Donkey Sanctuary Aruba [logo]](/portal/images/donkeysbyarien/oldlogo.png)
![Donkey Sanctuary Aruba [logo]](/portal/images/donkeysbyarien/still.png)
| THE DONKEY ON ARUBA | |
Equus Asinus, the donkey, originates from South Africa and the Mediterranean and can be distinguished by the stripe it has running from the ears to the tail, crossing at the shoulders. The donkey, brought here by Spaniards 500 years ago, had played an important role in the Aruban economy since the beginning of the Aruban history. It was mainly used to transport goods and persons.
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| At the beginning of the 20th century, some 1,400 donkeys were counted. However, with the introduction of the car to the island, the donkey was not needed anymore. More and more donkeys were released and set free. They can sustain themselves very well. It's a fact that they don't need much to survive, as they are strong and tough by nature. | |
| Early 1970 only 20 donkeys were counted. A severe disease made many victims among the stray animals. Those 20 donkeys are the ancestors of all our donkeys. Besides falling prey to the above-mentioned disease, they were also fed to the tigers of the circus that visited Aruba. As if this was not enough, the government also ordered many of them shot. | |
| Nowadays there are fortunately between 80 to 100 donkeys walking around free. They live in groups of 2 to 16 animals. Donkeys are the largest "wild animals" in Aruba. In the next 10 years we want to pick up all the donkeys and protect them from the traffic in a big sanctuary. |  |
Take Route 4a from the hotels and follow this road for 14 km, pass all the circles/roundabouts until you see a sign for the French Men’s Pass. Make a left turn onto the French Men’s Pass, then 1st left, 2nd right. On that dirt road you will find the Donkey Sanctuary after about 200 meters.
If you have a GPS device, navigate to these coordinates: N 12°48.974’ W 069°96.642’ This will bring you to the entrance of the Donkey Sanctuary.
Or use Google Maps Directions
