Come Visit Bonaire Animal Friends
Bonaire Animal Friends is a children-friendly farm whose purpose is to care for animals while providing a learning environment by offering hands-on animal interaction for the youth of Bonaire. The children who come to this farm leave with a newfound love for these animals, respect for their environment and a desire to learn more about Bonaire culture.
Jose Cieremans and Funchi Egbregchs saw a need in their community and did what most people wouldn't. They selflessly took in animals whose futures looked rather bleak and nurtured them back to health. This is an endless job and their early success has now blossomed into an educational environment where the local culture and traditions are shared with their visitors. This is a vision that the local farmers of Bonaire have readily embraced. This isn't just an ordinary petting zoo that you would find in North America. Sure you could come here and pet a few animals and make some furry friends but you would be missing out. Bonaire Animal Friends allows you the opportunity to participate in farm chores such as brushing, feeding, trimming, milking, shearing, picking papayas and so much more. Farmers in the area have been actively involved, volunteering their time to teach children about techniques, traditions and other aspects of Bonairian culture with the hope that this knowledge will be passed on to future generations.
If you’d like to get involved, Bonaire Animal Friends have drop-in volunteer programs on Saturdays where they invite you and your whole family to come spend some quality time doing some rewarding work. They are always looking for a helping hand if you’re interested. The work on this farm is solely done by volunteers...nobody gets paid! As an environmentally aware organization, the farm uses recycled building materials and pallets to build stables for their animals. They also gather food daily from restaurant leftovers and supermarkets to feed to the animals. If you see their jeep parked in town make sure you drop off your leftovers or better yet, give them a few of your extra dollars. It will be greatly appreciated! Visit their website here Bonaire Animal Friends to make plans for field trips, children’s parties, vacation camps or to make a donation.
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This nurturing farm now has over 200 animals on the kunuku (plantation). Here you will find an assortment of animals often found on hobby farms, but not native to Bonaire, such as cows, chickens, sheep, pigs, goats and bunnies. Also found on the farm are peacocks, ewes, geese, pot bellied pigs, falcons, parakeets, tortoises and