Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the website for Donkey Sanctuary Aruba.

YES We are open every day, except January 1st:

Regular opening hours 9am till 4 pm

April 14, 2022 we celebrated our 25 year anniversary

For any donation you can cuddle & hug one of our friendly donkeys for 15-30 minutes. Relieve your stress while on Aruba!! 

Founded in 1997 as a non-profit and completely volunteer run organization, our mission is simple. Save the Donkeys

Although not originally native to the small island of Aruba, they have existed here for 500 years having been the primary mode of transportation until cars began to be introduced on the island in increasing numbers. At that point, many Arubans no longer had the need for their formerly beloved donkey, and sadly in the 1970’s, a dangerous and rapidly spreading illness nearly caused their extinction leaving behind a population of only 20 wild donkeys.

Click on the red donkey for the Support the Aruban Donkey Program

As their population slowly began to increase, so increased the human population and with it came more and more vehicles. It became a common occurrence for donkeys to be found injured or killed alongside the roads, creating a hazard for humans and donkeys alike.

Occasionally there were cases of poor, innocent donkeys being intentionally harmed and mistreated. It’s a terrible fate that no animal should endure.

Thankfully they now have a safe haven where each donkey is given a name and receives food and water, shelter, quality medical care and lots of love. We highly encourage you to plan a visit to the Sanctuary and see for yourself what so many others have discovered, that there’s more to a donkey then what you think you knew.

They are sweet, yet stubborn at times. Many love to be petted and all love to be fed from the safety of our enclosed porch. They especially love apples and carrots, so feel free to bring some along. There is no admission fee, though your generous donations are greatly appreciated and are what continue to allow us the ability to care for our donkey family, which has 130+ members at the moment. Our volunteers will be more than happy to show you around and answer your questions.

And if you get there earlier enough, you can even help with the daily chores of feeding and caring for the donkeys, a great and educational experience for children! If you’d rather just observe, then you’re welcome to grab a seat on our covered porch, sit back with some coffee or a cold beverage and snack from our concession stand, or take a look inside our gift shop. Whatever you decide, we look forward to seeing you there!

Happy Belated birthday to Annie! And what a perfect way to celebrate.  As a birthday gift, her friend Mary adopted Sir Wildwood, aka Woody, for her and she couldn't be happier!

Aris Panas had a donkey when he was a kid and that's why he had to come visit the donkey sanctuary. While here he and his wife decided to adopt Kroket, because they are also God's creatures.

Shawna Russo Baffone adopted Kamino before. Since he passed away last summer she choose Gypsy. She took her time to carefully select another donkey. Big shoes to fill after Kamino. Gypsy is with us for many years, she is best friends with Diva and Lady Taco.

Shawna Russo Baffone met Kamino for the first time right after his surgery back in 2019. She visited him every year and this year she decided to adopt him. Despite all the hardship he went through he is a very gentle and sweet donkey who can find his way in between his 121 friends.

Latest newsletter (July 2026) can be read from here

25th Anniversary Newsletter can be read from here

Jubilee Newsletter can be read from here