SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Donkeys form several types of social groupings. In the sanctuary there’s one dominant male and several subordinate males. The mares are called their harem.

Donkeys spend over 50 percent of their day feeding.

Donkeys can rest while standing; resting donkeys stand with lowered heads, floppy ears and closed eyes.

They also rest lying on the ground. Foals tend to rest on the ground or leaning against their mother.Donkeys frequently roll, shake and then groom after rest periods. This revives their sweaty or flattened coats, and removes some parasites and loose hair.

Donkeys love to poop on top of a previous pile of their own dung.

Most braying is performed by territorial males.

Harem bosses bray to maintain contact with members of the group and advertise group possession of the area. Subordinate males rarely bray in presence of dominant males, unless several donkeys are braying at once. It is possible for a female donkey to be the leader of the group. The braying donkeys message is reinforced by the position of his ears. In a greeting the ears are held back slightly. For a challenge, the ears are flattened back. During courtship, the ears are up and pointing forward.

The snorting some donkeys provide is a sign of excitement or relief.

Donkeys are very playful. This is why there are coconuts and footballs in the sanctuary.

donkeys playing with coconuts at the aruba donkey sanctuary

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Directions

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

Opening hours:

Everyday from 9:00 until 16:00. Closed only on January 1st.

Need transportation to get there?

Taxi Address Service +297 587 9900

Come visit the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

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Directions