Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Santa Cruz

Such a cool experience! They are doing something special for the animals at donkey sanctuary Aruba. These animals are receiving the love and care they need. Visiting is free but you can donate. You are also able to purchase feed for the animals and sign up for adoption programs. The most amazing part about the experience is you are right there with the animals inside the pens. Walking, feeding and petting the animals seeing how loving and caring they are. If you love and care about animals please take some time to visit the sanctuary. All the animals will truly appreciate it and the sanctuary will thank you for your support.

The place was worth going to. When open. you can enter the premises as you please, just be mindful of opening and closing the gates. There are plenty of aged donkeys everywhere, with some chickens and peacocks running about the place. Most are usually shaded under the trees or buildings trying to get away from the sun. Be careful walking through as there is feces everywhere. The main building is located toward the back of the property and there are items you can purchase for yourself such as refreshments, ice cream, and gifts. Pellet feed is available for sale to feed the donkeys. I do agree with some of the reviews that maybe vegetables would be best and they would appreciate the moisture in this arid climate. Nevertheless, the donkeys are quite gentle eating out of your hand. A water sink is present that can be used when your are done feeding them. If you love animals and see them mill about this is a must visit. The Peacock screaming does get annoying after a while though.

We really enjoyed our visit to the sanctuary. We read about it before going, and so we brought apples and carrots to feed them. They definitely love them, and they do fight over the food. One gave us the cutest face when wanting more. It is a nice place for the donkeys, and the volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable. We also walked through the paths, but be mindful of your surroundings, so you don't get injured.

One of my favourite places we visited while on the island. There were so many donkeys, peacocks, chickens, and cats here all roaming freely. There’s no entry fee, but you can donate as much as you want. There’s a small gift shop where you can buy food to feed the animals and souvenirs. We loved feeding the donkeys and birds. You would need a car to get here as I don't think there's a bus route.

Donkeys were so so sweet. A very independent sanctuary - you can roam around carefully on the premises and just pet the donkeys. They are all very friendly and well-acquainted with humans. So long as your careful, it’ll be okay! At the visitor center, there are staff members who can sell you feed and tell you about the donkeys if you have any questions. Pro-top: BYOV (Bring your own veggies). I saw other guests with carrots and the donkeys were so happy.