Donkey

The donkey (also called the ass, Equus africanus asinus or Equus asinus) is a domesticated equine. Donkeys vary a great deal in size depending on breed and conditions, from under 90 cm to about 150 cm at the withers.

They have large ears and a loud call known as a bray, often written as "hee haw". Most have dorsal and shoulder stripes that form a distinctive cross on the back.

In developed countries, small numbers are kept for breeding, as pets, for donkey rides, for guarding sheep and to sire mules. Sanctuaries for retired and rescued donkeys have been set up too, the largest being The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, England.

Donkeys descend from the African wild ass. Their ancestors are the Nubian and Somalian subspecies. They were domesticated in Africa some 5000-7000 years ago, probably first by pastoral people in Nubia, and genetic evidence suggests peoples in the Horn of Africa domesticated them separately.

Donkeys became vital to long-distance trade in Egypt. By the end of the fourth millennium BC they had reached Southwest Asia, and they arrived in Europe by the second millennium BC. Greeks and then Romans spread them through their colonies and empire.

The first donkeys reached the Americas with Columbus's second voyage, landing at Hispaniola in 1495.

Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness, but this has been put down to a much stronger sense of self-preservation than horses show. It is considerably harder to force or frighten a donkey into something it sees as dangerous.

Though formal studies are limited, donkeys appear to be intelligent, cautious, friendly, playful and eager to learn. Once a person has earned their confidence they can be willing, companionable and dependable partners.

In the wild, donkeys in dry areas are solitary and each adult has a home range. The bray typically lasts about twenty seconds and can be heard over three kilometres away, which may help donkeys keep in contact across wide spaces. Donkeys can defend themselves by biting, striking with the front hooves or kicking. They may share fields or stables with horses and ponies, and are thought to calm nervous horses.

In more prosperous countries donkeys may live 30 to 50 years, whereas working donkeys in the poorest countries have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Their hooves are more elastic than horses' hooves and do not wear down as fast, and neglect can lead to permanent damage. Donkeys are less prone to colic than horses.

In temperate climates the forage available is often too abundant and rich. Over-feeding can cause weight gain and obesity, and may lead to metabolic disorders such as laminitis and hyperlipaemia, or to gastric ulcers.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

Is a donkey the same as an ass?

Yes. Donkey, ass and burro all describe the same domesticated equine. Ass was once the more common word, and donkey gradually replaced it from the 18th century.

How long do donkeys live?

In more prosperous countries they may live 30 to 50 years. Working donkeys in the poorest countries have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Are donkeys really stubborn?

They have a notorious reputation for it, but this is attributed to a strong sense of self-preservation. A donkey is hard to force or frighten into something it perceives as dangerous.

Do donkeys get on with horses?

Donkeys may be pastured or stabled with horses and ponies, and are thought to have a calming effect on nervous horses.

How loud is a donkey?

The bray typically lasts about twenty seconds and can be heard for over three kilometres.

A male donkey is a jack, a female is a jenny and a young one is a foal.

A jenny is normally pregnant for about 12 months and usually has a single foal. Twins are rare, at about 1.7 percent of pregnancies.

A jack crossed with a mare produces a mule, while a stallion crossed with a jenny produces a hinny. Both are usually sterile.

Regional English names for the donkey from the late 17th century onwards include cuddy in Scotland, neddy in southwestern England and dicky in southeastern England.

At Gallipoli in World War I, John Simpson Kirkpatrick and Richard Henderson used donkeys to rescue wounded soldiers.