During most of the 16th century until the Dutch period starting in 1621, the Spanish occupiers imported livestock to the island. This included donkeys used as work animals for the plantations and salt fields. Over time, they were set free resulting in a significant population of wild donkeys. It is common to see them grazing along the road. In 1993, the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire was formed to care for wounded and sick animals. It can be toured for a small fee. Recently, they have championed efforts to save them from extinction.
