Fundacion Salba Nos Burico

Newsletter no. 6

November 2007

2007 Highlights

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba celebrates 10^th anniversary

	In a lively celebration held in April at the Old Cunucu House restaurant, Aruba Donkey Sanctuary volunteers and their partners marked the 10^th anniversary of the good works being carried out in the protection and care of the island’s donkey population.
Foundation Board members Ramon Boekhoudt, Desiree Eldering, Pedro Nunes, Ricardo Contreras and Debbie Williams led the event in which toasts were made in appreciation of the approximately 40 volunteers.

Donkeys are this year’s model!

Photo Contest capture the charisma of the Aruban donkey

The Aruban donkey, with its adorable features and mischievous personality, proved the perfect subject for photos. Amateur photographers captured the donkey’s special charm and submitted their photos for the Donkey Sanctuary’s 2008 calendar.

The Fundacion Salba Nos Burico (Save our Donkeys Foundation) Photo Contest was not limited to any particular venue, but required only that the Aruban donkey figure prominently in the photo. Free-roaming donkeys and the Donkey Sanctuary’s own residents were featured in the many different prize-winning photos. Winning photos were determined by a three-person jury composed of Diane Keijzer, Faritah Luidens and Ronald Lemminga.

The 2008 Calendar, featuring all the best donkey models, is now available for sale (Afl. 25) at the Santa Lucia Donkey Sanctuary or by calling Desiree at Cel: 568-4091 or Tel: 584-1063.

Where to?: New signs help lead the way

The Department of Public Works (DOW) is helping lead the way to the St. Lucia Donkey Sanctuary, having contributed new road signs. As of April 13, 2007, the long, white rectangular signs, bearing the Donkey Sanctuary logo, were placed at the intersection in Ayo (before the Ayo Rock formations).

Visitors of the Donkey Sanctuary no longer complain about how difficult it is to find us….

New arrivals: Updates on baby donkey births

The great joy that followed the birth of baby Luna, to mother One-Eye, in July was unfortunately preceded by sadness at her passing. Suffering dehydration and injury after being separated from her mother (she found a way out of the corral), Luna passed away soon after being transported to the vet.	One Eye and Luna just before she died
Bono on his birthday July 17, 2007	Later that month, however, a measure of healing was achieved with the successful birth of a new baby donkey, Bono, this time to Eva.
A third baby donkey, born to Sasha on August 16, is also thriving. He was named Sky by his adoptive parents, who have pledged financial support for the upkeep of the baby during its first year.	Sky a couple of days old

Donkey Watch: Sweetie recovers from his tumble

	Sweetie is back on his feet and recovering nicely after having unintentionally been caught in some mislaid wire at the Bringamosa-based sanctuary. Veterinarian Ricardo Contreras operated on his right back ankle, inserting metal rods to aid his recovery. Time will heal his wounds, and he is improving a little bit each day. He has even started to support some of his weight on the injured leg. Sweetie stayed at Contreras Veterinary clinic for 2 months
The fall and death of Pica
It is with a heavy heart that the Foundation reports that Pica had to be put down after suffering a broken leg in a fall. Pica's hooves were too long and needed to be trimmed. He did not like that at all, so he fought and fell, resulting in an open fracture. An operation on the leg proved impossible after an assessment by the Vet, who judged that Pica was too old to successfully make it through the procedure.	Pica died October 26, 2007

A clean bill of health

Vet. Contreras once again played a key role in helping safeguard the health of all the donkey sanctuary’s residents, having provided a full cycle of tetanus and deworming treatments to all 60-plus donkeys. Special thanks also goes to Luba and Frank Delaney, who donated the funds for the tetanus vaccines.

Bringamosa and Tica take a holiday

Escape artist Tica is back at the sanctuary after taking a short Summer holiday with Bringamosa. They were both later found wandering in the middle of the road in Santa Cruz, near the gas station, and safely transported back to Santa Lucia.

A day among donkeys helps mark World Animal Day

Donkey Sanctuary’s Open House was a tremendous success

With the spotlight on Aruba’s lovable donkeys during a Family Day open house event held at the end of September, the Donkey Sanctuary was able to mark both World Animal Day as well as its 10^th anniversary with fun, games and high spirits. Public participation was high, with kids delighting in the several organized games, contests and art & crafts activities, and families simply enjoying time together in touring the sanctuary’s grounds and taking in the festive atmosphere.

Gala event rounds out Donkey Sanctuary’s 10^th year celebrations

Rounding out a celebratory year, Donkey Sanctuary volunteers, friends and supporters enjoyed a gala celebration in November, marking the 10^th anniversary of the “Save Our Donkeys” Foundation. The mood at Parke Arawa was lighthearted as the approximately 140 guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and toasts to the many accomplishments the foundation has made over the years in helping to protect Aruba’s donkeys. A highlight of the event included a very successful fundraising auction, with artworks donated by several local artists and organizations.

International Volunteer day

Donkey Sanctuary volunteers chose to mark Volunteers Day, December 7, by paying to tribute to one of its hardest working team members, “Save Our Donkeys” Foundation Vice President Desiree Eldering. “It’s in my blood,” she explains about her affection for donkeys and her willingness to do everything she can to make a difference. Read more…….

Upcoming event:

Do you want to join our next annual walk-a-thon which will be held on January 12, 2008?

One or two donkeys will join us in a 6,5 km walk starting at Ayo Rock formation. Click on walk-a-thon for more information.

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