Donkey
Donkey Facts
| Size | 35.4-63 inch (90-160 cm) (shoulder height) |
| Speed | Up to 15 mph (24 km/h) |
| Weight | Up to 992 lb (450 kg) |
| Lifespan | 15-40 years |
| Food | Grass |
| Predators | Foxes, wolves, lions |
| Habitat | Everywhere in the world |
| Order | Odd-toed ungulates |
| Family | Equidae |
| Scientific name | Equus asinus asinus (domesticated), Equus asinus (African), Equus hemionus (Asiatic), Equus kiang (Tibetan) |
| Characteristics | Known for its "I-aaah!" |
Main Characteristics
Donkeys are the smallest members of the horse family. They have a friendly and quiet character, although they are considered to be stubborn. They cannot be forced or trained to do anything, because they have their own mind.
Anatomy and Appearance
The Tallest and The Smallest
The heaviest donkey is the French Poitou with a shoulder height of up to 4.9 feet (150 cm) and a weight of 992 lb (450 kg). The tallest donkey is the Catalan donkey with a shoulder height of up to 5.2 feet (160 cm) and a weight of 837 lb (380 kg). The smallest donkey is currently a mini donkey called KneeHi (“knee-high”) with a shoulder height of just 24.2 inch (61.59 cm).
Evolution and Origin
Where do donkeys come from? The European domestic donkey is a descendant of the African wild ass. Even if that sounds strange: Just like zebras donkeys belong to the animal family of the horses. Those animal species are closely related to each other.
Donkey Species
Donkey Species at a Glance
- Domestic Donkey
- African Wild Ass
- Onager / Asiatic Wild Ass
- Kiang / Tibetan Wild Ass
- European Ass (extinct)
African Wild Ass
Size: Up to 4.7 feet (145 cm) (shoulder height)
Weight: Up to 606 lb (275 kg)
Habitat: Africa
The African wild donkey is much faster than its relatives. On short distances it can reach speeds of up to 43.4 mph (70 km/h), on longer distances it achieves a constant speed of 31 mph (50 km/h).
Onager / Asiatic Wild Ass
Size: Up to 4.2 feet (130 cm) (shoulder height)
Weight: Up to 639 lb (290 kg)
Habitat: Syria, Iran, Pakistan, India, Israel, Tibet
The long dorsal stripe on the back is characteristic for Asian donkeys. This species is very similar to horses.
Kiang / Tibetan Wild Ass
Size: Up to 4.6 feet (142 cm) (Shoulder height)
Weight: Up to 970 lb (440 kg)
Habitat: Tibet
The Kiang also has a dorsal stripe, but significantly shorter ears than the other species. Most donkeys do not like water, but the Tibet donkey is quite good at swimming and also very sociable: It lives in groups of 5-400 animals.
Behavior
"You stubborn donkey!" You probably have heard this insult before. It originates from the fact that donkeys sometimes are not willing to even move one single inch. They have a good reason for this: Donkeys cannot run as fast as horses. It doesn't make much sense to panic and run away in a mad rush. What should they do? They just stay where they are and "think" about their current situation. Is it really that dangerous? Where should I flee? Panicking is for horses, considered action for donkeys.
Senses and Abilities
Memory
Donkeys have an unbelievable memory. Even after 25 years they can remember other donkeys in the areas where they were living.
Fun Facts
Donkey Can Ease Stress
Donkeys are like little psychotherapists for nervous, timid or injured animals. With their soft and quiet manner they help other animals to calm down and regain their confidence. Therefore, donkeys are often kept with other animals.
The Donkey Is Related To:
- Horse
- Zebra
