Donkeys are domesticated members of the Equidae family, belonging to horses, mules, zebras and goats. They are also known as burros or asses and are known for their intelligence, strength and gentle nature. They have been serving humans for thousands of years and have played a crucial role in various cultures worldwide. These remarkable animals are beloved for their versatility.
Donkeys differ from horses in many ways. Their compact bodies are covered in short hair that ranges from light grey to dark brown or black. Donkeys also possess strong hooves that enable them to navigate rocky terrains with ease. With their distinctive long ears, stocky bodies and braying voices, donkeys are easily recognizable. Their size is generally smaller than that of a horse; however, their strong muscles allow them to carry heavy loads with ease. Farmers often keep donkeys for pulling carts, carrying heavy loads, or even guarding flocks of sheep.
Originating in Africa, donkeys were first domesticated around 6,000 years ago. They played an essential role in ancient civilisations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia, where they were used for transportation and agricultural work. Donkeys gradually spread across the globe through trade routes and exploration expeditions. Today, they can be found all over the world, from Asia to Europe, the Americas to Australia.
Donkey, burro and ass
Equus africanus asinus or Equus asinus
79-160 cm in height and 145-193 cm in length
90-480 kg
25-30 years
Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America
The donkey is a hoofed mammal in the family Equidae, the same family as the horse, mules, zebra and goat. The scientific name of a domestic donkey is "Equus asinus" or "Equus africanus asinus". It derives from the African wild ass (Equus africanus) and may be classified either as a subspecies thereof, Equus africanus asinus or as a separate species, Equus asinus. The term "donkey" comes from dun (the usual greyish-brown colour) and the suffix "ky" means small. Male donkeys are called "jacks" and females are "jennets". The donkey was first domesticated about six thousand years ago.
Donkeys are the smallest members of the horse family. They have a friendly and quiet character, although they are considered stubborn. Here are some incredible facts and features about donkeys:
One of the most distinctive features of donkeys is their unique appearance. Donkeys are mammals that look like horses but they are smaller with longer ears which have dark at the base and tip. Even if different donkey breeds have different lengths of ears. In colour, the donkey ranges from white to grey or black and usually has a dark stripe from mane to tail and a crosswise stripe on the shoulders. They have short manes or fur, around their heads, necks and upright and the tail, with long hairs only at the end, is more cowlike than horselike. They also have big eyes which isn't as obvious at first as the longer ears and have lipped mouths that hide big-ass teeth are the main reasons why they look so funny. A baby donkey is called a foal and foals can stand up one hour after they are born. Donkeys come in various sizes and colours; some are small enough to be considered miniature breeds standing at just 24 inches tall to large standard-sized donkeys reaching up to 56 inches in height while others can grow up to 15 hands high.
Donkeys have smaller and shorter heads than horses. Specific features are their lower skull weight, smaller cranial width, smaller mandibular depth and shorter cranial length. Donkeys have a more distinct forehead and yet have smaller olfactory bulbs rotated more rostrally compared to horses. Adult donkeys have 40 teeth; 12 incisors, four canines, 12 premolars (up to 16 if wolf teeth are present), and 12 molars. They have long ears that serve them superbly for hearing and large eyes that provide them with excellent vision. Their bodies are compact yet sturdy with strong legs designed for endurance rather than speed. The anatomy of a donkey's hoof is Hoof pastern axis is more upright and can be broken forward compared to the horse's Hoof walls are more upright (5−10˚more). The frog is usually wider than the horse Sole is U-shaped with a flare to the heels. Sole grows nearly as much as the walls. Donkeys and horses share the same skeletal system. Donkey's bones are slow to mature in diameter and length and should not carry heavy weight (or be ridden) until they are at least 5 or 6 years of age. Despite their smaller stature compared to horses or mules, donkeys possess remarkable strength and endurance.
Donkeys, known for their sweet temperament and hardworking nature, have a wide habitat range and distribution throughout the world. These adaptable creatures can be found in various environments ranging from deserts to grasslands, mountains to forests and their natural habitat encompasses parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and even the Americas. The original habitat of the donkeys is the hills and deserts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which is why they are well adapted for life in the desert and regions with low rainfall.
Domesticated donkeys are found all over the world but prefer dry and warm areas. They are hardy animals that can live with little food and water. While they like grass, they also eat shrubs and desert plants. The highest number of donkeys can be found in Ethiopia, followed by China and Pakistan.
Wild donkeys are commonly found in arid regions such as the Sahara Desert or the dry savannas of East Africa. In Asia, donkeys are prevalent in countries like China and India where they are crucial for transportation and agricultural activities in rural communities. These areas provide them with the necessary resources to survive, such as water sources and vegetation.
Native to Africa and parts of Asia, donkeys have been widely distributed across the globe due to their adaptability to different climates and terrains. There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world. Half the world's donkey population, almost all of which is used for work, is found in Asia, just over one-quarter in Africa and the rest mainly in Latin America. In Africa, donkeys are found in deserts and savannas in northern Africa from Morocco to Somalia, in the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. One species, the king or Tibetan wild ass, is found in Asia, from China to India, Nepal to Bhutan and northern parts of Pakistan. Europe also has its fair share of donkey habitats with populations scattered across countries like Spain, Greece, Italy and France. Here they often roam freely on farms or serve as working animals providing support in vineyards or hauling loads.
There are more than 30 different types of donkeys in the world and when it comes to the types of donkeys, there are three common types:
The wild donkeys also called burro, are originally from Africa, they were introduced to the Desert Southwest by the Spaniards in the 1500s. The word "burro" is derived from the Spanish word "borrico", meaning donkey. Modern domesticated donkeys can trace their origins to the African wild ass, a member of the horse family found in Africa. Burros are just small donkeys with long hair. The fur texture also varies among donkey breeds. While not a rule, burros typically have longer, shaggier hair than other breeds. They come in many different colours including red, red roan, pink, blue, black, brown and paint. Therefore, a burro is often used as a pack animal and they make great horse protectors. The most appropriate food for burros is dry pasture or low-protein grass hay. If possible, avoid feeding burros alfalfa as the high protein levels can cause obesity. An adult burro drinks an average of 22 litres (5 gallons) of water per day. Wild burros roam rangeland in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Oregon. The average weight of male burros is 122 kilograms (269 pounds), with that of females being 112 kilograms (247 pounds). They live for around 27-40 years.
The feral donkeys, found in various parts of the world, are descendants of escaped or abandoned domestic animals. In the western United States, many authorities consider that the large population of feral burros is driving the desert bighorn sheep to extinction by competing for the limited. The feral donkey is well-adapted to arid regions and is most abundant in the Kimberley pastoral district of Western Australia and the Victoria River area of the Northern Territory. Australia also has five million feral donkeys in arid central Australia and northern Australia.
The domesticated donkey, known as Equus africanus asinus, is widely recognized for its loyalty and hardworking nature. However, most domestic donkeys cannot be attributed to any of these breeds, so they are divided into miniature, regular, and large donkeys. It was domesticated in Africa some 5000–7000 years ago and has been used mainly as a working animal since that time. The respective donkey breeds only have a few animals left. Donkeys are categorized by their size, these include the American mammoth, the standard and the miniature donkey. The most common type of donkey is the standard donkey.
The American Mammoth Donkey: The American Mammoth Jackstock is a breed of North American donkey, descended from large donkeys imported to the United States in about 1785. It is found in the US, with a small population in Canada. George Washington, with Henry Clay and others, bred for an ass that could be used to produce draft and riding mules. Today, mules are as likely to be used in recreation as for agricultural work. The average-sized American Mammoth Jackstock donkey is much larger, measuring about 142 cm (56 inches) and weighing 544 kg (1,200 pounds). One requirement to register a mammoth donkey with the AMJR is a mammoth jack must be at least 58"/14.2 hands at the withers (shoulder) and a mammoth jennet must measure at least 56" /14 hands for a jenny.
The standard donkey: The African wild ass (Equus africanus) is the wild ancestor of the donkey. Because the earliest donkeys were found in ancient Egypt, archaeologists concluded that they were domesticated from resident Nubian wild ass. Donkeys come in a wide range of colours, from black to white through shades of grey and brown and also broken colours such as brown and white, and roan. Most donkeys but not all, display a cross on their backs, known as dorsal and shoulder stripes and some also have zebra-like stripes on their legs. They have longer ears, a D-shaped eye socket and a smoother, leaner body mass than horses. They also have creamy light points around the eyes, muzzle and belly. Colours range from grey-dun to dark brown, black, red, dappled roan, and overo-type pinto spotting. They will only consume about 1.5% of their body weight per day. For comparison, standard donkeys range from 36 to 48 inches (92 to 123 centimetres) tall and weigh 400 to 500 pounds (181 to 227 kilograms). Their average life expectancy is just over 30 years.
The miniature donkey: Unlike many other miniature breeds (such as toy poodles), the miniature donkey is not a bred-down version of a larger donkey. They are small equines and their small size is natural. An adult miniature donkey cannot measure more than 36 inches (91 centimetres) tall, measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground. They come in a variety of colours including grey, brown, sorrel, black or spotted with a darker coloured "cross" across the back. Miniature donkeys originated and have been valued in the Mediterranean region for over 2,000 years. They were used as draft animals to carry firewood, deliver fresh bread, pull oar-filled carts from mines, for transportation and power grist mills to grind grain. They were also used to carry water from village wells and supplies into the mountains for shepherds. In more recent times they have become increasingly popular as pets. Their primary food is grass, but they also graze other shrubs and desert plants. A miniature donkey will live for around 25-30 years.
Donkeys are typically characterized by their long ears, short mane, sturdy build, braying sound, and a strong sense of memory. They can vary in size and colour, with some having a grey coat while others may be brown or black. Regarding behaviour, donkeys are intelligent animals with a strong sense of self-preservation. They are known for their stubbornness at times but also showcase their hardworking nature, incredible patience and gentle demeanour, making them popular pack animals and companions in many parts of the world. Despite their reputation for being stubborn, donkeys have a strong social structure within their herds and rely on each other for protection from predators and companionship. They are hard animals that can live with little food and water. While they like to eat grass, they also eat shrubs and desert plants. Whether working alongside humans or living in the wild, these remarkable animals play a vital role in various ecosystems around the world.
Donkeys can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to lush grasslands and mountainous regions of North Africa from Morocco to Somalia with the Arabian Peninsula and in the Middle East, which is why they are well adapted for life in the desert and regions with low rainfall. They are well-suited to arid environments due to their ability to conserve water efficiently.
The donkey is a herbivorous animal and eats plants and plant-based food. They also eat grass, grains, seeds and other plant products like vegetables and fruits. Donkeys happily eat browse (woody shrubs, trees and broadleaf plants) and forbs (flowing plants) as well. Carrots, apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and usually very popular with donkeys. Ensure that chopped fruit and vegetables are cut in a way that minimises the risk of choking, such as in sticks.
Their diets should primarily come from forage (typically in the form of hay or pasture). They require a diet high in fibre and low in protein, sugars, starch/carbohydrates and calories. In the majority of cases, this should be solely provided by straw, hay/haylage or restricted grazing plus a vitamin and mineral balancer. The donkey diet should consist of mainly good quality barley straw or oat straw (barley straw is best) and carefully restricted access to grass.
The amount to feed can vary depending on the donkey's activity. When donkeys are given free access to forage they will only consume about 1.5% of their body weight per day. For a medium-sized, 450-pound donkey, this would equate to about 7 pounds of forage per day. If a donkey has no dental problems, feed a diet of 75% straw in summer and 50% straw in winter. Make up the remainder of their diet with hay or haylage or restricted grazing.
Donkeys are not like horses; they differ physically, mentally and emotionally. They are more stoical in their behaviour and tend to startle less than horses. Compared to horses, donkeys show a limited fear response to novel situations and this can be mistaken for stubbornness rather than fear. However, they are renowned for their intelligence, strength and gentle nature, qualities that make them highly valued animals worldwide. Donkeys are social animals that don't like to be alone. They have a friendly and quiet character, although they are considered stubborn. They cannot be forced or trained to do anything because they have their mind. Donkeys have an excellent memory and a great ability to learn. They can learn and problem-solve at the same pace as dolphins and dogs. This means that donkeys remember good and bad experiences for a long time. They evolved as herd animals and form deep, lifelong bonds with other donkeys or animals with whom they share a pasture. Close bonds between two donkeys are called pair bonds and there is also research to prove their legitimacy.
With an uncanny ability to adapt to different environments, donkeys have proven themselves invaluable throughout history. One notable trait of donkeys is their intelligence. They are highly social animals with a strong sense of self-preservation. Wild herds often break up and reform with new members regularly. Wild donkeys live in small groups with a dominant male and three to four females. In the wild, they can live an average of 25 years and in domesticated they reach 40 years. The donkeys have a very loud braying which allows them to communicate over long distances. They rest during the hottest part of the day. They are more active during the early mornings and evenings when they travel and graze with their herd. Donkeys are eagerly associating with both conspecifics and other livestock animals, including horses, cows, goats, sheep and llamas. The smallest member of the horse family, ass is the correct term for the animal known as the donkey or jack stock. The young of a donkey is called a foal.
Donkeys are polygynous, which means that one male mates with many females during a breeding season. Breeding occurs year-round. The reproductive anatomy of the male donkey is similar to that of the standard horse. The same applies to the female, including the size of the reproductive tract. Female donkeys have a 21-28-day estrus cycle with obvious behavioural signs of receptivity when a jack is present. During the breeding season the male donkey with sexual maturity at around 3 years of age, may show mounting behaviours from young foals. Donkeys are pretty easy when it comes to the conditions that they need to reproduce. The gestation period for donkeys is over a year, at an average of 368 days, so donkeys can only breed once a year at most.
After 11 to 14 months of the gestation period, a single foal is born. It doesn't matter whether the donkey is male or female, a baby donkey is called a foal. They're only foals until about a year old. After a year, the foals are called yearlings. Donkeys are yearlings for up to two years. Male donkeys are called 'jacks' and female donkeys are called 'jennies', or sometimes 'jennets'.
The average lifespan of a donkey is 25-30 years. Working donkeys in the poorest countries have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, in more prosperous countries, they may have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
Donkeys are also prey animals and are not protective against smaller predators like weasels or bird predators. In the wild, donkey predators include foxes, wolves and lions.
They have great eyesight and hearing to detect predators. Donkeys are naturally territorial animals, their loud "Hee-Haw" brays and quick pursuit will scare away predators and may also alert the shepherd and farmers. They challenge intruders by charging, kicking and biting.
One of the reasons cited as to why the domesticated animal is in danger of extinction is the large-scale harvesting of donkey meat and skin. The donkey is categorised as an endangered animal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to which Nigeria is a signatory. This prohibits the trading of donkey skins, considered illegal.
Over 50 million donkeys share this planet with us, with an estimated world population of more than 44 million donkeys, 15 million mules and hinnies. Half the world's donkey population, almost all of which is used for work, is found in Asia, just over one-quarter in Africa, and the rest mainly in Latin America. Mostly in underdeveloped countries, where they are used principally as draught or pack animals. Donkeys have been a cornerstone throughout human existence and they still prop up entire communities today, ferrying water, food and crops. The highest number of donkeys can be found in Ethiopia. It leads the list of countries with the most donkeys with over 7 million heads, followed by China, Pakistan and Mexico.
Donkeys may often be overlooked and underestimated, but their importance in various aspects of human life cannot be denied. These humble animals have been serving mankind for centuries.
As visitors stroll through the zoo, their eyes are often drawn to the humble donkey - a creature often overlooked amidst more majestic and exotic animals. Yet, there is a quiet charm in the way the donkey carries itself, with a patient grace that speaks of centuries of companionship with humans. Watching a donkey in the zoo can be a lesson in resilience and adaptability - traits that are sometimes overshadowed by the more flashy attributes of other zoo inhabitants.
The donkey's presence serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness with all living creatures, prompting us to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of these gentle beings. While they may not have the striking colours or imposing size of other animals, donkeys possess an undeniable appeal that lies in their steadfast loyalty and hardworking nature. A visit to the zoo can thus become an opportunity to reflect on our relationships with animals and gain a newfound appreciation for these unassuming yet vital members of our global ecosystem.
The domestic donkey is a hoofed mammal in the Equidae family, the same family as the horse. It derives from the African wild ass, Equus africanus and may be classified either as a subspecies thereof, Equus africanus asinus or as a separate species, Equus asinus. The ancestors of the modern donkey are the Nubian and Somalian subspecies of African wild ass.
The domestic donkey originated in Africa and has two main clades, with a single domestication of the donkey was accomplished long after the domestication of cattle, sheep and goats in Africa about 7000 years ago, followed by further expansion in that continent and Eurasia and eventual return to Africa. Donkeys were probably first domesticated by pastoral people in Nubia and they supplanted the ox as the chief pack animal of that culture. The domestication of donkeys increased the mobility of pastoral cultures, having the advantage over ruminants of not needing time to chew their cud. It was vital in the development of long-distance trade across Egypt. By the end of the fourth millennium BC, the donkey had spread to Southwest Asia and the main breeding centre had shifted to Mesopotamia by 1800 BC. The Muscat or Yemen ass was developed in Arabia. By the second millennium BC, the donkey was brought to Europe.
Donkeys have a long history of serving humans in various capacities, from carrying heavy loads to being underappreciated loyal companions. However, donkeys play a vital role in various cultures around the world, providing invaluable assistance to farmers and communities. Despite their reputation for being stubborn, donkeys are intelligent animals that form strong bonds with their human counterparts. They have a keen sense of awareness and can be very sensitive to the emotions of those around them, often providing comfort and support.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using donkeys as therapy animals due to their gentle nature and ability to connect with humans on an emotional level. Donkey-assisted therapies have been shown to have positive effects on individuals struggling with mental health issues or disabilities. This highlights the unique relationship between donkeys and humans, one that goes beyond mere utility to encompass empathy and compassion.
Despite their contributions, donkeys have also faced mistreatment and neglect from humans. We must recognize and appreciate the bond we share with these overlooked animals. By understanding and respecting donkeys' needs and behaviours, we can cultivate a more harmonious relationship that benefits both parties involved. Donkeys deserve our admiration and care for their unwavering loyalty and tireless efforts in supporting human endeavours.
The donkey is categorised as an endangered animal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to which Nigeria is a signatory. This prohibits the trading of donkey skins, considered illegal. Most donkey and local horse breeds are vulnerable to extinction as the mechanization of agriculture progresses throughout the world. Over 50 million donkeys share this planet with us. However, they remain misunderstood creatures. Find out all there is to know about donkeys here. Baudet du Poitou donkeys are endangered. Their numbers have dwindled to only 300-400 worldwide.
The horse and the donkey are two commonly confused animals. While they may share some similarities, there are several key differences between them. Firstly, their physical appearances differ significantly and set them apart.