Donkey Facts
F
or thousands of years donkeys have been the ‘helping hooves’
of humankind - they are the original beasts of burden. In many
countries of the world, and in many situations, they are used as the
preferred mode of transport. Donkeys are much more of an all terrain
animal than horses. Donkeys are in fact a highly intelligent animal
despite popular misconception. They can live for over 50 years.
Donkeys are very strong and intelligent
• A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size.
• Donkeys have an incredible memory - they can recognise areas and
other donkeys they were with up to 25 years ago.
• A donkey will not do something it considers to be unsafe.
Donkey characteristics
• Donkeys are not easily startled (unlike horses) and have a keen sense
of curiosity.
• Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness but this is due to their
highly developed sense of self preservation. It is difficult to force or
frighten a donkey into doing something it sees as contrary to its own
best interest or safety.
• Donkeys are more independent in their thinking than horses and will
reason, then make decisions based on their safety.
• Training a donkey relies upon showing him or her, by words and
action, that they can trust you to protect them from harm. They learn
what it is we want them to do if we take time to show them.
Donkeys originate
from desert areas
of the earth
• In the desert environment
a donkey is able to hear
the call of another donkey
60 miles away, they have
far larger ears than horses.
Their large ears also help
keep them cool.
• Because food is scarce in
the desert, donkeys utilise
95% of what they eat
which means their manure is not a very good fertilizer for land. Their
digestive system can break down inedible vegetation and extract
moisture from food more efficiently.
• They don’t like the rain and being out in it for long periods can
damage their health as their fur is not waterproof.
• Donkeys are herd animals
• Donkeys don’t like being kept on their own although a single donkey
will live quite happily with goats.
• A herd will choose the strongest donkey to be their leader, even if
domesticated. In the wild the lead donkey would stay to ward off an
attack by a wolf or other predators in order to allow the rest of the
herd to escape to safety.
• Donkeys in a herd will groom each other in the same way as monkeys
and chimps do.
The work of donkeys through the ages
• The wealth of the Egyptians was due to the precious metals carried
from Africa by donkeys.
• Donkeys were used to carry silk along the ‘Silk Road’ from the Pacific
Ocean to the Mediterranean in return for trade goods.
• In Greece donkeys were used for working on the narrow paths
between vines and their work in vineyards spread as far as Spain.
The donkey was associated with the Syrian God of Wine, Dionysius.
• The Roman Army moved donkeys into Northern Europe using them
in agriculture, vineyards and as pack animals.
• Donkeys came to England with the Roman invasion of Britain
in 43CE.
• Donkeys are often a lifeline to families in many regions of the world.
They help with water and wood fuel collection, land cultivation and
transportation of produce to market.
• Donkeys are used as guard animals for cattle, sheep and goats since
they have a natural aversion to canines and will