1997 - 2007

• Equus Asinus, the donkey, originates from South Africa and the Mediterranean and can be distinguished by the stripe it has running from the ears to the tail, crossing at the shoulders. 

• The donkey, brought here by Spaniards 500 years ago, had played an important role in the Aruban economy since the beginning of the Aruban history. It was mainly used to transport goods and persons. 

• At the beginning of the 20th century, some 1,400 donkeys were counted. However, with the introduction of the car to the island, the donkey was not needed anymore. More and more donkeys were released and set free. They can sustain themselves very well. It's a fact that they don't need much to survive, as they are strong and tough by nature. 

• Early 1970 only 20 donkeys were counted. A severe disease made many victims among the stray animals. Those 20 donkeys are the ancestors of all our donkeys. 

• Besides falling prey to the above-mentioned disease, they were also fed to the tigers of the circus that visited Aruba. As if this was not enough, the government also ordered many of them shot. 

• Nowadays there are fortunately between 80 to 100 donkeys walking around free. They live in groups of 2 to 16 animals. Donkeys are the largest "wild animals" in Aruba, and are no problem at all, as long as they do not endanger traffic.