Courtesy of: Aruba Daily
Have you already been to the donkey sanctuary in gorgeous Sta. Lucia, where more than 130 donkeys find a home in the typical Aruban countryside? It’s a dose of nature at its best, a trip that should not be missed. Donkeys are curious, loyal, proud and intelligent animals and once you have stroked their noses, you will always have a soft spot in your heart for them.
The bad news is that the sanctuary in Sta. Lucia has to close due to overpopulation. A wonderful new location in Bringamosa has been found and construction of new stables is going on as we speak. Unfortunately, a large amount of money is needed, as much work needs to be done. Money is very tight, also because the contract with the government was suddenly cancelled due to the economic situation.
The sanctuary’s president and donkey mom par excellence, Desiree Eldering, is at her wits’ end. “We need money to continue building; we need a visitors’ center so that donations will keep coming in and that donkey adoptions can continue. If there is no money, I don’t know how we can go on,’’ she says with tears in her eyes. She is thinking about the future of the many donkeys that depend on her and her team of volunteers for their daily feed, their water and their safety. This article is a cry for help.
By buying the new baby-donkey calendar you can support the donkeys; it is for sale at SuperFood supermarket. Every dollar will be spent wisely, Desiree guarantees. If you wish to know more about the donkey adoption program or the possibility to help by donating money, please go to www.arubandonkey.org. Help in any way you can – our donkeys will be most thankful. And don’t forget to visit them, it will be something wonderful to remember.
