DONKEY

Let us introduce you our friendly Jerusalem donkeys, who have the loudest voices on the farm!

Donkeys have a long history of being domesticated animals, originating from Africa and spreading worldwide.

Donkeys are generally known for their sturdy build, long ears, friendly nature and strength. They have a compact, strong body, with adult donkeys typically weighing between 180 to 270 kilograms. Their coats come in various shades ranging from light to dark grey, as well as brown and, in rare cases, white. However, these coats aren’t waterproof, so donkeys don’t like standing in the rain for long periods of time. Jerusalem donkeys are characterised by a grey coat and a dark, cross-shaped marking on their back and shoulders.

They have a keen sense of hearing, thanks to their large ears, which can rotate independently to detect sounds. Their tough hooves are well-suited for traversing rocky terrains and dry climates. Interestingly, donkeys can see all four of their feet at the same time!

Donkeys are herbivores, primarily feeding on grass, hay, and occasionally grains. They require fresh water and access to minerals. This plant-based diet is put to extremely good use by their incredibly efficient digestive systems, utilising 95% of what they eat.

These resilient creatures can live for up to 50 years when well cared for. A male donkey is known as a ‘Jack’, a female is referred to as a ‘Jenny’, and a young donkey is called a ‘foal’. A jenny’s pregnancy lasts approximately one year as she waits to welcome her new foal to the world.

Donkeys are renowned for their gentle and friendly nature. They are known to be intelligent and make great companions. Donkeys are not stubborn, but can be reluctant to do anything that might be unsafe. They are cautious creatures and like to take their time considering situations before deciding what to do. Donkeys are social animals and often form strong bonds with other animals, especially other donkeys.

Given their incredible stamina and generally friendly disposition, donkeys are quite versatile animals, and are employed for a variety of purposes, from carrying loads to providing companionship. They are often excellent working animals and are renowned for their strength and endurance. They can carry heavy loads over long distances and are stronger than a horse of the same size.