Ready to meet one of the cutest and quirkiest animals around? Known for their strength, intelligence, and loyalty, donkeys have played a significant role in human history for thousands of years, from ancient times to modern day.
Donkey facts
1. Donkeys aren't waterproof like horses are. Domesticated donkeys are descendants of the African Wild Ass, whose natural environments are the hot, dry semi-desert and mountainous climates of Africa and the Middle East - not the damp British weather. Therefore it is believed that donkeys have less oil in their coat, compared to horses and ponies, and unable to repel rain like their equine cousins can.
2. According to the Guinness World Records, the smallest donkey in the world is KneeHi in the USA, who is just 64.2cm at the withers (top of shoulders).
3. The tallest donkey in the world is Romulus, who stands a staggering 173cm tall at his withers. This giant is a American Mammoth Jackstock gelding.
4. A donkey's big ears aren't just for looks. Donkeys have evolved to survive in semi-arid, mountainous environments and their large ears are ideal for body heat dissipation.
5. A mule is produced when a donkey stallion mates with a female horse, whereas a hinny is when male horse mates with a female donkey.
6. An entire (uncastrated) male donkey is called a Jack.
7. There are still three distinct species of wild donkeys - or asses as they are known. The African wild ass (Equus africanus) and the Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) or onager, and the kiang (Equus kiang).
8. Donkeys are known for their loud bray, which is an essential evolutionary adaptation that allow them to communicate over long distances.
9. Instead of 'smiling' at you, when a donkey curls its lips back and exposes its teeth, it's actually processing new or interesting smells – known as the Flehmen response.
10. Donkeys are more closely related to zebras than horses.
Main image: Getty