# Donkey (*Equus asinus*)

> Donkeys were domesticated in northeastern Africa around 5,000 years ago and spread worldwide as pack animals, draft animals, and companions. They are intelligent, cautious, and form strong social bonds, with working donkeys still carrying water, goods, and livelihoods across low-income countries today.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Domesticated
- **Range:** Domesticated from the African wild ass; working and feral donkeys now occur on every inhabited continent, especially in arid regions of Africa and Asia.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/donkey/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Perissodactyla
- **Family:** Equidae
- **Genus:** Equus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Equus asinus |
| Diet | Herbivore — grass, hay, straw, and browse |
| Habitat | Worldwide on farms, rangelands, and arid regions |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years (sometimes over 40 with excellent care) |
| Weight | 80–480 kg (180–1,060 lb) depending on breed |
| Top speed | Up to 40 km/h (25 mph) at a gallop |
| Conservation status | Domesticated (IUCN) |

## Domestication and history

The African wild ass is the ancestor of the domestic donkey. Ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians valued donkeys for transport across terrain too arid for horses. Today an estimated 50 million donkeys exist worldwide, most of them working animals in low- and middle-income countries.

## Behaviour and intelligence

Donkeys freeze and assess danger rather than fleeing like horses — often misread as stubbornness. They have excellent memories, strong social bonds, and communicate with brays, ear position, and body language. Miniature and standard breeds serve as pets and therapy animals in many countries.

## Working donkey welfare

Working donkeys haul water, bricks, and market goods in heat and traffic, often without veterinary care. Preventable problems include harness wounds, lameness, dental disease, and exhaustion. Mobile clinics, farriery, and owner education dramatically improve welfare where they reach working animals.

## Guard donkeys and modern roles

Farmers use donkeys to protect sheep and goats from coyotes and dogs — donkeys chase and kick intruders. Donkeys also support ecotourism, trekking, and companion-animal roles, but they need proper hoof care, dental checks, and companionship because they are herd animals.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long do donkeys live?

Donkeys often live 25–30 years, and some exceed 40 with excellent nutrition, dental care, and hoof maintenance.

### Donkey vs mule — what is the difference?

A mule is the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Mules are usually sterile; donkeys and horses are separate species that can interbreed.

### Why do donkeys have long ears?

Large ears help dissipate heat in arid climates and provide excellent hearing for detecting predators across open country.

### Are donkeys good pets?

Donkeys can be affectionate companions but need space, another donkey or compatible equine for company, regular hoof and dental care, and appropriate diet — they are not low-maintenance pets.

### How many working donkeys are there?

There are an estimated 50 million donkeys worldwide, the vast majority working in Africa and Asia. Together with horses and mules, working equids support livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Equus asinus.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Equus%20asinus&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Equus asinus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Equus_asinus/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/donkey/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.