
On The Train To The Donkey Sanctuary In Zeist Netherlands
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Zeist, Netherlands a small town near Amsterdam that hosts Stichting De Ezelsociëteit (est.2001) an organization of people dedicated to helping donkeys have meaningful lives in the chaos of 21st century living.

A Sign At The Entrance Of Stichting De Ezelsociëteit in Zeist, Netherlands
I was fortunate to spend an afternoon hanging out with 23 donkeys and a few of their human helpers who are concerned with the well-being of our animal brethren.

Greeted By A Friendly Face At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit
Robert, a long-time volunteer at the society, patiently introduced me to each donkey and explained the animal’s presence at the farm. All the beasts were lovely and enjoyed being petted until feeding time came; then all bets were off as the donks made a rush toward their troughs.

Donkeys At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit Have To Wear Raincoats In Inclimate Weather
Stichting De Ezelsociëteit makes sure that their animal feed is pesticide free. Each donkey has a particular diet that is adhered to so that the creatures can enjoy maximum health.

The Magnificent Dieske, The Largest Donk At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit
Dieske, a mammoth donkey was my favorite of the bunch. He had a nobility that suggested a deep consciousness of his surroundings. At nearly 600lbs he was also the largest of the group but Robert informed me that he was not “the king” of the other animals.

A Chocolate Donkey Takes A Supper Break To Look At A Stranger At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit
Sometimes donkeys have pack leaders but at Stichting De Ezelsociëteit that role has not been filled since the passing of Isabelle, the donkey queen who ruled the other animals. Robert chuckled at the remembrance of this special animal. I really wish I would have had the opportunity to meet her.

Robert Is A Long Time Volunteer At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit In Zeist
We spent a few hours strolling through the grounds and chatting about the animals and their lives at the facility. A small team of experts were busy feeding the beasts and tidying up the various enclosures. There are no predators in the Netherlands capable of taking down a donkey so the creatures are quite safe in Zeist.

A Barn Cat Prepares To Swing Into Motion If A Rat Appears At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit
The Donkey Society enjoys a working relationship with Utrecht University, a nearby college that provides students for work at the ezel (donkey) ranch.

Fresh Bales Of Sawdust Are Essential At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit In Zeist
The clouds roiled along while a brilliant yellow sun beat down on the Dutch landscape; a farm cat tangled itself around my legs; a rooster came up to me while I sat on a bench and demanded petting; donkeys bussed me and hawks cried overhead.

One Of The Lovely Donkeys At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit
Life for donkeys in Zeist, Netherlands is a good one.

A Donkey Wearing Trousers At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit

Stichting De Ezelsociëteit in Zeist, Netherlands

A Student From Utrecht University at Stichting De Ezelsociëteit

Bridles For The Donkeys At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit

A Friendly Donkey At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit

The Donkey Sanctuary In Zeist Netherlands

Zeist, Netherlands

Each Individual Donkey Has A Care Card To Ensure Proper Handling

Dutch Flowers In Full Bloom In Zeist Netherlands
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The Donkey Sanctuary is located at:
Zwitsersekade 5, 3707 HZ Zeist, Netherlands
telephone +31 343 491 371
info@ezelsociëteit.eu
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