Bonaire's Donkeys

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The Spaniards brought wild donkeys to Bonaire in 1527 and left many wild except those taken as beasts of burden or for breeding. Today, about 400 still roam wild. Al Catalfumo, who has been living on Bonaire since 1980 and operates the Black Durgon Inn, told me that Texas A&M did DNA tests and they are descendants of the African Nubian wild ass, now extinct in their homeland.

The tourists, and most locals, love them. But not everyone. Will these wild donkeys disappear from Bonaire?

European conquistadors decimated indigenous populations while seeking gold and precious resources to fuel their widespread wars and royal extravaganzas. Slave quarters remain on Bonaire. A salt flat gave enterprise to that industry....

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