30 Amazing and Interesting Facts about Donkey | Amazing Facts 4U
- Donkeys (Equus Asinus) are the smallest members of the equine family which also includes horses, zebras, and mules. They are distinguished by the longest ears in the family.
- Donkeys are originally from desert areas of the Middle East and Africa and are anatomically well equipped to survive in difficult conditions.
- Donkeys were first domesticated around 4500 years ago. In those days having a donkey was a status symbol of their owners’ wealth.
- 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.
- China has the largest number of donkeys with about 11 million of the world’s 41 million. Other countries with significant populations are Ethiopia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Mexico.
- Donkeys are used today as work animals in poor countries. They carry materials, plow fields and draw up water.
- ‘Donkey’ is a late 18th-century word. Ass is the most scientifically correct name for donkeys.
- Donkeys are by nature herd animals. They prefer to stay in groups but a single donkey can actually live happily with a group of goats. Donkeys get depressed very easily when left alone.
- The strongest one in the herd is usually selected as the herd leader. A herd leader always acts like a leader in face of a threat like that of a predator attacking the herd. The leader will stay and face the threat allowing enough time for the rest of the herd to escape to safety.
- Just like in the case of chimps and monkeys, donkeys in a herd will groom each other and keep themselves clean.
- When it comes to traveling in all terrains, donkeys are far better than horses. In fact, donkeys are considered to be all-terrain animals. A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size.
- A donkey can live for 40 to 50 years.
- A male donkey is often referred to as Jack while a female goes by the name Jenny.
- Jennies stay pregnant for 365 days and eventually give birth to a single baby (foal). Twin births are very rare.
- There are 3 different types of donkeys based on their shoulder height. The smallest type is known as the Miniature donkey having a height less than of 36 inches. The standard breed measures 36-54 inches and the Mammoth breed measures more than 54 inches.
- George Washington is responsible for the first breeding of Mammoth Jacks in the United States.
- The amazing fact is that donkeys are capable of remembering a place they have been to or other donkeys they met 25 years ago!
- A donkey is capable of hearing another donkey from a distance of 60 miles in proper desert conditions. This is possible because of their large ears which also help to keep their body cool in hot and arid desert conditions.
- Compared to horses, donkeys are capable of independent thinking and decision making ensuring their safety. Amazingly a donkey will never get involved in an activity if it considers unsafe. In case they sense something wrong while traveling, they will simply not move ahead and will start digging in their heels giving an impression that they are stubborn.
- Donkeys hate rain. Their coat is not waterproof and staying out in rain for a long period actually damages their health.
- Donkeys have a very efficient digestive system that is capable of breaking down even the most inedible vegetation known. They don’t just breakdown the vegetation, they can even extract moisture very efficiently.
- In fact, donkeys are capable of utilizing 95% of an entire meal they eat. This is because they are basically desert animals. In desert areas food is scarce and wasting food is not a luxury.
- Donkeys enjoy rolling on the ground. This is in fact their favorite pastime.
- Donkeys milk was once valued as a medicine for premature and sick children. The milk of a donkey contains much more sugar and protein than cow’s milk and also has less fat.
- Donkeys and horses are often crossbred. The baby of a female horse and a male donkey is known as Mule. The baby of a male horse and a female donkey is known as Hinny.
- Hinnies and Mules are sterile by birth. Mules are more desirable than Hinnies because Mules are stronger.
- Donkeys have natural hatred against canines. They defend themselves and their companions very aggressively against the canines. Donkeys are used as guard animals for cattle, sheep, and goats.
- Donkeys and horses have the same gait but donkeys are rarely seen running. Deserts being their native climate, donkeys probably saw running as unnecessary in high temperature. This instinct of not running has stayed with them since their evolution.
- Donkeys are often fielded with horses due to the perceived calming effect they have on nervous horses. If a donkey is introduced to a mare and foal, the foal will often turn to the donkey for support after it has left its mother.
- Amazingly in Britain, traveling donkeys have been required to have a passport since 2005!
Visit and subscribe to our blog! Get enriching & uplifting quotes right in your inbox: www.informativequotes.com
