Donkeys

Donkeys are gentle and intelligent beings. There are over a dozen different kinds of donkeys that exist and they have differing lifestyles and behaviors based on their breed – similar to dogs. Wild donkeys are only found in northern Africa, Arabia and the Middle East. Domesticated donkeys can be found all over the world.  

Donkeys are social, prefer to stay with their herd and are very protective of each other. In the wild, herds are usually led by one male donkey, or “jack”, and consist of several females, or “jennies”. A few other younger males can make up this group as long as they follow the lead jack. These herds often switch around – jacks and jennies will leave and frequently switch herds. Donkeys become sad and depressed, even physically ill, if they are kept alone or separated from other donkeys.

Donkeys are good mothers, and have a 12-month gestation period, longer than humans. After giving birth, mothers will nurse their foals for about 5 to 6 months before they are weaned. The foal will usually stay within the herd for some time until eventually breaking off to join a different herd. 

Misunderstood

Although behavior varies widely from breed to breed, one thing that all donkeys have in common is that they are misunderstood. Donkeys tend to be very stoic and they are driven towards self preservation, often leading to the misconception that they are “stubborn”. Donkeys will not rush into anything that they consider to be a risk – they are protective of themselves and their herd rather than stubborn. 

Many people assume that donkeys have the same behavior of horses, but that is simply not true. Donkeys do not have the same “flight” response as horses do when they are frightened. They tend to have a territorial nature and, when scared, usually only move away a short distance to observe rather than flee. 

Donkeys possess an excellent memory and high intelligence level. They can remember good and bad experiences for years and particularly negative experiences can alter their behavior for the rest of their lives. If given the opportunity, Donkeys can live to be 25 to 30 years old. They are complex individuals and it takes time, patience and understanding to get to know their distinct personalities – like our Blossom who always wants attention, or Beulah who will demand food any chance she gets.

Donkeys Used For Milk, Labor & Meat

Donkeys have been bred by humans over thousands of years to be used primarily for milk, labor and meat. There is also a rising demand for donkey skins, which are used for traditional medicines and “health foods”. Donkeys raised for these purposes suffer greatly.

Jennies used for milk are put through a painful and degrading process of artificial insemination, followed by their 12 month gestation period. Just as human mothers bond with their unborn infants during that period of time, so do donkeys. Once they have given birth, the foal is taken away from his or her mother and deprived of her milk. 

Although Donkey milk may sound rare, it has been used for centuries for cosmetic purposes and has been rumored to have “anti-aging” properties since the time of Cleopatra. However, this process is arduous and heartbreaking. The jennies become depressed and listless, and after just a few years of this cycle she is considered “spent” and is sent to slaughter. 

Donkeys used for meat have often been used previously for labor or milk and are sent to slaughter when they are considered no longer useful. While donkey meat is not common in the United States, it is consumed globally.

There has been a rising demand for donkey skin, donkey meat and gelatin which are used to create “traditional” medicines around the world, particularly in Northern China and India. Unfortunately, there are little to no regulations on how these donkeys are raised or slaughtered. There have even been instances of “live cuttings” – living donkeys have pieces of flesh cut from them which is then cooked to order and sold.

Most commonly, people think of donkeys being used for work and labor – their bodies are strapped with heavy items and they are forced to walk long distances and over difficult terrains. They are also used as transportation for people all over the world –  largely used by tourists to traverse difficult or rocky terrain, climb hills, and carry gear. 

Not only is this a form of exploitation, but there are countless examples of these animals being abused and pushed beyond their physical and emotional capacity. If a donkey refuses to continue on, they are beaten, have their tails twisted or broken, and even hot spices rubbed in their eyes until they continue on or are killed. 

Protecting Lives

The best way to protect individuals like MaryPete, Axle and Siggy, is by choosing not to participate in the meat & dairy industries or the exploitation of animals for any reason – and to speak up for these gentle beings when you can. Educating yourself and others about animals and the difficulties they face in the food systems we have created is one important step to take in protecting these individuals. 

Learn more about their rescue stories and meet the entire donkey family!