6 Quick Donkey Facts that You Need to Know ASAP!

Here are six quick facts about me. Use them to wow your friends…and get to know a bit more about my species at the same time.

1. A donkey and a burro are actually the same animal. The term "burro" is simply the Spanish word for donkey. (Learn how to say donkey in even more languages!)

2. Although the origin of the word donkey is unknown, it is thought to originate from the word "dun," which would refer to the dull grey-brown color of our coats.


3. All donkeys have a dorsal stripe and a shoulder stripe. (Can
spot both my stripes in this photo?)

4. "Domestic Donkeys" are relatives to the Horse, and are in the same species classification, "Equus," as the Wild Horse Wild Ass, and the Zebra. This mammal group is characterized by long heads and necks, skinny legs, and one-toe feet. (Sounds familiar!)

Photo credit: Jodi Cobb

5. All donkeys are descendants of the African Nubian wild ass, which are near extinction.

6. The word "ass" comes from the Latin word asinus.  There are many derogatory terms using the word "ass" that link to the donkey, characterizing the animal as clumsy or stupid. However, donkeys are incredibly intelligent, sure-footed animals.  May we choose to not use these terms in our language, as they are a huge misrepresentation of the donkey population.

Have a question about donkeys? Comment below and see if I know the answer!