From fluffy Foals to Lifelong Friendships: Fun Facts for World Donkey Day
By Charities Correspondent
Donkeys are being celebrated around the world this week as part of World Donkey Day — and it turns out there’s a lot more to them than most people realise.
To mark the occasion on 8 May, The Donkey Sanctuary has been sharing some of the more surprising facts about the animals, from their strong friendships to their calming effect on humans.
One of the cutest?
Donkey foals are born with the same amount of hair they’ll have as adults, which is why they arrive looking unbelievably fluffy.
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Donkeys are also known for creating close bonds with each other and can become upset if separated from companions they’ve spent years with. Many stay together for life.
They also form strong connections with humans and can recognise familiar faces even after years apart.
Despite the stereotype of donkeys being stubborn, the sanctuary says they are actually intelligent, sensitive and curious animals.
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They’re able to pick up on human emotions and their calm behaviour can help people feel more relaxed and less anxious.
Even their oversized ears have a purpose.
As well as giving them excellent hearing, they help donkeys regulate body temperature — something that dates back to their desert origins.
The Donkey Sanctuary currently cares for almost 6,000 donkeys and supports welfare projects across the world.
The charity hopes World Donkey Day encourages more people to learn about the animals and appreciate their gentle nature.
People can also watch the donkeys online through the sanctuary’s live webcams, offering a glimpse into daily life at the world’s largest donkey sanctuary.
