As mentioned in my "history" blog, wild donkeys were allowed to roam the island of Bonaire during its early colonization. They were used as work animals and transportation, but as society progressed, these animals were abandoned to survive on their own. Unfortunately, this left the animals to suffer from dehydration and starvation. And as modern vehicles became part of life on Bonaire, donkeys fell victim to traffic. These animals (and often their orphans) are left on the side of the road to die. Furthermore, donkeys can be the victims of abuse as well.
It is the mission of Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire to alleviate the unnecessary suffering of these poor animals. Since 1993, they have been providing food, water and medical care in a sanctuary that gives these donkeys plenty of room to roam. Over 400 donkeys live a protected life here.
You are welcome to visit the sanctuary to see their good work first-hand. They are open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is $6 USD for adults. Visit their gift shop for souveniers.
Directions from the airport:
Heading south after passing the entrance to Flamingo Airport, you will find Windsock Beach on your right. After you pass the end of the runway, take your first left onto a dirt road. Continue straight along this dirt road, which borders the southern edge of the airport. After about 2.5 kilometres, the entrance to Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire will be on your right.
Heading south after passing the entrance to Flamingo Airport, you will find Windsock Beach on your right. After you pass the end of the runway, take your first left onto a dirt road. Continue straight along this dirt road, which borders the southern edge of the airport. After about 2.5 kilometres, the entrance to Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire will be on your right.
For more information, visit their website at www.donkeysanctuary.org
Butterfly Farm Bonaire
The Butterfly Farm Bonaire hosts a tranquil retreat in their cool greenhouse where they raise butterflies from the area as well as from all over the Caribbean. Butterflies on exhibit come from their own breeding program as well as from a farm in Costa Rica. A cool oasis in the arid kunuku, enjoy a refreshment as you relax. Take a book, take a stroll or take some photos while you enjoy these colorful butterflies flying around, eating, or resting on the greenery.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.butterflyfarmbonaire.org/index.htm
Rooi Lamoenchi
Explore an authentic kunuku while on a guided walking-tour through a serene, ecological nature preserve in the kadushi (cactus) wilderness. Learn its history and traditions from native Bonairean, Ellen Cochrane-Herrera, whose family has owned this countryside home for more than 100 years. Located east of Kralendijk, Rooi Lamoenchi is a model of plantation life on 56 hectares with landscaped trails and ocean views amongst Wayaca cactus, Divi-Divi, Brazilia, Mesquite
Two tours are conducted daily by Appointment Only. Tours include the old plantation house, the grounds, an old slave wall, a dam built by hand in 1908, and the aloe fields. Ms. Herrea takes time to explain antique tools, furniture and household items which are original to the plantation. Admission for adults is $21 USD.
Address: Kaya Suiza 23, Playa Baribe
Phone: 599/717-8489 or 540-9800
Located northeast of Rincon, Mangazina di Rei is the second oldest stone building on Bonaire, estimated to have been built between 1810 and 1824. It was used by the government (Rei) to store provisions for the government slaves, as well as farming tools. Every Saturday afternoon, the slaves would gather at the Mangazina to receive their weekly provisions.
The Magazina structure was recently completely restored. An open air museum of historic houses and other authentic replications on the property exhibit examples of building techniques used by Bonaire’s early inhabitants. On display are examples of Kas di Bara (Stick house), Kas di Piedra (Stone house), Kas di Tabla (Wooden house), Fornu di Karbon (Charcoal pit), Fornu di Kalki (Limestone furnace), and Fornu di Sentebibu (Aloe oven).
Address: Kaya Rincon z/n
For more information, visit their website at: http://www.mangazinadirei.org/index.html
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