On The Road With RL Reeves Jr: Stichting De Ezelsociëteit In Zeist Netherlands

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 Donkey Expert And Long Time Volunteer At Stichting De Ezelsociëteit In Zeist

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.