Donkey Sanctuary

Encounter about one hundred of Aruba's donkeys that have found a safe, new home at the donkey sanctuary at Bringamosa.

The distinctive braying of the donkeys rings out in a welcome salute as visitors approach Aruba's donkey sanctuary. Warm muzzles close in to inspect new arrivals and to offer an additional greeting.

The Bringamosa-based sanctuary welcomes guests, offering information and tours of the grounds. Guests can enjoy a cosy visitors centre, a cold drink on the covered porch or buy original donkey-themed gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop. A visit to the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary is worth your while.

Once the main mode of transport for island residents, donkeys were left adrift in modern times, with cars now trundling down the same cactus lined pathways where they once travelled, carrying passengers and pulling carts. The idea for a sanctuary, where these beloved animals can live out their lives in a protected environment, became a reality in 1997. After almost 20 years at Santa Lucia, the Donkey Sanctuary moved to a new and larger location at Bringamosa to house its 130 donkeys.