Facts About Donkeys

For 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 highly intelligent animals despite popular misconceptions. Here are fifteen facts about donkeys:


  1. A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size

  2. Donkeys can see all four of their feet at the same time

  3. Donkeys vary hugely in size - from 26 inches to 68 inches

  4. A donkey’s bray can carry up to 60 miles in the desert

  5. Donkeys have incredibly efficient digestive systems, utilising 95% of what they eat

  6. Donkeys don’t like being in the rain for long periods of their fur is not waterproof

  7. Donkeys have been used as working animals for at least 5000 years and they are still a lifetime to families in parts of Europe, Aisa, Africa and South America

  8. Healthy donkeys can live well into their 50s

  9. A blind donkey will often bond with a seeing donkey who will act as their guide

  10. Donkeys can be a calming influence on other donkeys

  11. Donkeys are very clever and have a keen sense of curiosity

  12. Donkeys are not stubborn but they can be reluctant to do anything that might be unsafe - they consider situations before deciding what to do

  13. Donkeys are extremely nimble and can cross tricky terrain better than any other animal without becoming lame

  14. Donkeys are very sociable and form strong bonds - you will often see pairs of best friends within a herd

  15. Donkeys are different to horses in their physiology, communication, thinking and behaviour - they do best with other donkeys as companions