Volunteer at the donkey sanctuary in Antigua
The drive to the donkey sanctuary is a chance to carve through the undulating lush green landscape, visible from the pristine coastline that frames the island of Antigua.
Come along and visit the animals at the sanctuary or better still, volunteer for a few hours. Karen and her team are clearly devoted to the animals' welfare at the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society. The donkey sanctuary here is open Tuesday-Saturday 10-3 to the public. It is home to many donkeys, some tame, others not and tortoises named by a local school. Several cats are resident too, Deputy, Sunshine, Rusty and more recently, Wonder, the beautiful girl who was born without eyes.
Rusty Wonder Deputy
Donkey Sanctuary
Donkeys are brought to the sanctuary having experienced something traumatic, perhaps an accident or abuse. Each day begins with Triple Crown, a fragrant food given to horses as it is easier to chew - and wow how they love it. Watch the donkeys excitement as it arrives, nudging others to secure a spot around the bathtubs where the food is placed.
Later they are fed fresh grass which they seem to devour for hours. Visitors should wait patiently for donkeys to finish feeding before attempting to brush their coat as they become territorial while eating. They are very interesting animals to watch, stubborn, intelligent and each with its own individual personality.
Some of the donkeys are in a recovery pen. They may be healing following surgery or currently have injuries. The small group of donkeys here are able to dine together with more space so they are not kicked and pushed about by other donkeys while trying to secure a spot to eat.
The New Kids on the Block
Meet the new additions to the animal family ...
Annie Bella George
Rosie the goat
Rosie is a goat, a goat that believes she is a donkey. Daren, a key worker/manager here explained how she grew up with them. She follows them and jumps in their food to share it. She is watchful of newcomers to the team, presumably protecting her fellow friends.
How to get involved at Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society
Raising money
There are several ways to help raise money for the animals' food and medical care ...
Purchase a souvenir from the sanctuary. Items include t-shirts, water bottles and books
Donate reading books which can be purchased by visitors from the on site library
Make a donation via the website
Adoption programs
Volunteering at Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society
By spending some time volunteering here, it is an opportunity to get involved in hands on activities to care for animals for a few hours.
For those who wish to volunteer for longer and stay on site, a barn has been converted into basic accommodation. Contact the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society for details and to check availability.
