Donkey - Five Sisters Zoo

Closely related to horses, donkeys were domesticated approximately 5,000 years ago for both farming and travel. Multiple species of donkey exist but all trace their origin to the African Wild Ass. Though they come in many colours, coat types, and sizes, all donkeys are characterized by their long ears and a distinctive ‘hee-haw’ bray.

Facts

Diet: Herbivore; hay, grasses, herbaceous plants, some fruits and vegetables.

Weight: Depending on breed, 80-400kg

Height: 79cm-160cm at the shoulder, depending on breed

Habitat: Originally African deserts, now found across the world in a variety of climates.

Life span: 20 to 40 years under human care, typically 10 years in the wild

Adapted to Survive

  • Long ears support keen hearing and also heat loss in hot weather
  • Possess both monocular and binocular vision to allow them to assess landscapes and also detect possible threats
  • Able to survival on minimal food and water for several weeks

Threats

  • Skin trade

IUCN Conservation Status

Not Evaluated (Domestic Animal)

< Back to list

© Copyright 2024 Five sisters Zoo