Though donkeys are not native to Aruba, they did play a very important role in the country’s history. For many years, they were the main form of transportation for locals and also helped with the building of this nation. The arrival of automobiles to Aruba ended that, and many donkeys were set loose to find for themselves. Unfortunately, disease and accidents with motor vehicles eventually killed much of the population. And by the 1970s, there were only 20 donkeys remaining in the wild. Animal lovers didn’t want to see these creatures disappear from the fabric of the island, so they set up a sanctuary where they could live safely. The sanctuary is free to visit, but donations are welcome.