Donkeys are unique and intelligent mammals, members of the horse family, and originating from the African wild Ass. Here are some fun facts about donkeys that you may never have known.
Fun facts about donkeys
1. Donkeys are members of the equine family. This family also includes horses and zebras. They are also known as asses or burros.
2. Donkeys are beasts of burden. Donkeys have been domesticated for over 5000 years and have been used for transportation, agriculture, and companionship. They are still widely used in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries.
3. Donkeys are very intelligent. Compared to horses, donkeys are more independent in their thinking and can make decisions based on their safety. They have a keen sense of curiosity. Also, donkeys are adaptive and are capable of learning new skills and tricks. They are also very curious and playful, and enjoy toys and games.
4. Donkeys are very social. They easily form strong bonds with other donkeys and animals. Furthermore, donkeys prefer to live in groups and can suffer from loneliness and depression if isolated. They also communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, such as braying.
5. Donkeys are stronger than horses of the same size. They have more upright hooves than horses do. Donkeys are not easily startled, unlike horses.
6. Donkeys have long lifespans, and can live for over 50 years.
7. Donkeys have good memories. Because of their amazing memory, they can recognize areas and other donkeys they were with from up to 25 years ago.
8. Donkeys can be quite stubborn. Their stubbornness is a form of protection for themselves. It is difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something that it sees as not being in its best interests,
9. Donkeys have far larger ears than horses. In a desert environment, a donkey can hear the call of another donkey more than 60 miles away. The large ears of donkeys also help keep them cool.
10. Donkeys hate rain. This could be because their coats or furs are not waterproof. It should be noted that staying out in the rain for a long period could actually damage the health of the donkey.
11. Donkeys can utilize 95% of what they eat. This means their manure is not a very good fertilizer for the land. The digestive system of this animal can break down inedible vegetation and extract moisture from food efficiently.
12. Donkeys enjoy wholesome association. They can become extremely distressed when a close friend has been moved away from them. Additionally , donkeys don’t like being kept on their own. A single donkey will live quite happily with goats.
13. Donkeys can be trained with words and actions. One of the key elements of training a donkey relies on showing the donkey, using words and actions, that they can trust you as their trainer to protect them from harm. The donkey will be able to learn what it is the trainer wants them to do if they take the time to show them.
14. Donkeys choose their leaders. A herd will choose the strongest donkey as their leader, even if it has been domesticated.
15. Donkeys are self-sacrificing. In the wild kingdom, a lead donkey will stay to ward off an attack by a wolf or other predators to enable the rest of the herd to escape to safety.
16. Donkeys protect livestock. They are sometimes used as guard animals for cattle, sheep and goats because they have a strong dislike for canines and will keep them away from the flock.
17. Donkeys are fast racers that can run at a speed of 24 km/h
18. A donkey with an average weight of 180 kg can consume about 3 kg of feed per day.
19. Donkeys have a unique gate called amble, where they move both legs one side of their body before moving the other two on the other side of their body, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride.
