Donkey

Equus asinus Linnaeus, 1758

Fun facts

1
When ancient Egypt's first pharaohs were buried, ten donkeys were laid to rest alongside them with the same honours given to high-ranking humans.^[1]
2
Donkeys' large ears may do double duty - picking up distant sounds AND helping cool their blood in hot climates.^[1]
3
A donkey's bray can last around 20 seconds and carry over 3 kilometres - helping them stay in touch across vast desert spaces.^[1]
4
Early donkeys helped transform long-distance trade in Egypt because, unlike cattle, they don't need to stop and chew their cud.^[1]
5
Unlike horses, wild donkeys living in dry areas are solitary animals and don't form herds or family groups.^[1]
6
In prosperous conditions donkeys can live 30 to 50 years - far outlasting the 12-15 year lifespan of working donkeys in the world's poorest regions.^[1]
7
Donkeys were domesticated around 5,000-7,000 years ago - long after cattle, sheep and goats had already been tamed.^[1]
8
Most donkeys carry a natural cross-shaped stripe pattern on their backs, formed by a stripe along the spine meeting one across the shoulders.^[1]

References [1] Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Not veterinary advice. General guidance to help you care for your pet. For anything specific to your animal, speak to a vet.