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URGENT call for questions: DONKEYS (Patreon)

Published:
2025-06-10 01:50:40
Edited:
2025-06-10 01:54:44
Imported:
2026-06

Content

We just confirmed a last minute interview with a donkey expert, so we need your questions STAT! We tried connecting a few weeks ago but the expert was away on business, giving a lecture on Andalusian donkey nutrition at a conference in Spain (!!!). She's a life-long donkey authority: she grew up on a donkey farm in Georgia, earned a PhD in equine science and now travels the world studying donkeys, mules, hinnies, and burros. Leave your questions in the comments!

Deadline: Tuesday, June 10 at 9pm PST

Comments

A Laura Borealis

Are they actually laughing when they’re hee hawing?

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

What chromosomal differences between donkeys and horses account for their hybrid offspring (mules) being sterile?

PeculiarMxPie

First off, why are they so dang cute? Secondly, are donkeys better than horses?

Aurora Cullen

What keeps them from having F2 hybrids with horses?

Zed Shirogane

Are there a bunch of different breeds of donkeys similar to horses and dogs? If so: which ones are your favorite?

Paige McLachlan

Is there any mythology/folktales about donkeys?

Oscar Courchaine

Can donkeys live in the wild without humans?

Drew J

Why do they make such good “guard dogs” out in the country? I’ve always heard such good things about having them on your land and with your livestock.

Kara

I’ve heard that donkeys are very protective animals that bond well with horses, etc. on people’s farms. Do you have any good stories, anecdotes, or explanations for that, and what are they like in the wild? How come I’ve never heard of wild donkeys?

GhoulNextDoor

Why when donkeys and horses breed does it make a separate entity called mules and why can’t mules make more mules? What features to mules have that donkeys don’t?

Zoe

Are donkeys/mules actually stubborn?

Shannon Burns

Are donkeys considered a domesticated species? Was their evolution impacted by humans? Bonus question from my younger sister: why are baby donkeys called asses?

mish the fish

was donkey from shrek an accurate depiction?

Hannah Gorrie

Is the hee-hawing involuntary, like having hiccups?

Allison Menard

Question from my mom: “why would I listen to an ology about donkeys?” 😂 parents just don’t understand.

Jessi B

Their ears are so big! How well do they hear? Can they hear better than horses?

Guilherme Yoshikawa

Hi, first time question asker, long time listener here. How many species of donkeys are there, and are any species going extinct?

Colby Evans

So I just heard someone suggest getting a few donkeys to hang out with your cattle to deter wolves… huh?

Audrey

Is Donkey from Shrek an accurate description of a donkey’s personality

OnyxMonolyth

What’s the connection between ass and ass?

A Laura Borealis

Also, are donkeys from the wild? Did they come that way?

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

Why is the term “ass” historically synonymous with “donkey,” and how did this word's meaning evolve in modern English?

Andie Corcoran

Is there a difference between a donkey and a mule? Which one is stronger? How did donkeys come about?

HazHydro

Could you discuss the use of donkeys as livestock guardians? No matter how aggressive they can be, it seems like a bad idea since they are prey animals themselves.

Lily

WHY IS DOMINIC THE DONKEY THE BEST CHRISTMAS SONG EVER

con

Hiii!! I’m curious about the genetic differences/similarities in equines. I know that a mule is a combination of donkey and horse, how is this possible? It’s feels like the liger of equines.

Rebecca Fitzgibbon

Why are donkeys called asses? Are they asses? You can tell me, they aren’t listening.

ScotDeerie

What are the differences in personifies between horses and donkeys? Are there draft donkeys or are all donkeys considered draft animals?

Lily

Why are they so playful

L. Wink

Is it ethical to crossbreed them? (Mules, zonkeys, other mixtures I don’t know how to spell…)

the ren you know

Why are donkeys better than horses? (I'm asking this because they are)

Hannah Beyl

Mini donkeys vs. regular donkeys. Is one just smaller? Do they have personality differences?

Michael Williams

Why do they hee haw like that? Is there an evolutionary reason they make such a goofy sound?

Keiki Kohne

Why are they also called asses?

Serena D'Souza

Are donkeys fully domesticated? Are there any wild donkeys?

Olga

why are donkeys so populous in places like Greece? Is it the terrain or climate? Thank you!

Julieta Dey

Long time ologies listener and enjoyer, first time commenter. Why are they called burritos, what does the food have to do with donkeys?

Potato Puffer

Do donkeys really have a natural instinct to protect other animals from coyotes/dogs?

Aurora Cullen

In the worst part of socal (inland empire) we’ve got a lot of invasive burros. What’s their history in the united states?

Emily Schrader

What was the evolutionary need for such predominant front teeth?(no judgement, they are cute)

Mana

Why do so many people throughout history and cultures use donkey as an insult ? Are they really nature's cute little dimwits ?

HaardPass

I got you, Alie. How were donkeys domesticated? They really have a vibe like they'd rather not be working. Very IDGAF.

Jessica Meditz

How smart are donkeys compared to horses? (And why are they so cute and also do they like to be snuggled).

Ken Haddad

Why are donkeys known for being so stubborn—is it really stubbornness or something else?

Keely Chavez

Why are they so loud!?! “Vocal” Why are their attitudes incongruous with their adorableness. Why are they getting busy with horses?

Kelly Shaver

Donkeys and colonization: what is the deal?

the ren you know

Are mini donkeys ok?? Are they all good, can we celebrate them?

Diana Teeter

My friend usually has a donkey on her farm to act as a predator alarm bell. What is it about donkeys that makes them good at this job? (Other than the loud voice)

Hannah Gorrie

When were they domesticated? Have humans always used them primarily as beasts of burden rather than for meat or riding?

GhoulNextDoor

Are donkeys buffer more badass horses?

The Little Butternut

Why is a donkey also an ass? And how did that become a derogatory term?

Aaron Marks

Do they have a higher propensity for violence compared to mules, horses or ponies?

wicker bitch

Why are they called Jack and Jenny asses and why did only Jack stick?

Samuel Schaar

Where do donkeys land on the scale of animal intelligence? Can you train a donkey? If so, to what level?

Seán Thomas Kane

Where did donkeys first evolve and how far back did their species diverge from horses or zebras?

Joe Porfido

Can donkeys and zebras (Zonkey) hybridize? I saw a black and white striped donkey on a vacation once but it may have been painted to look that way.

Erin Maurelli

Why do donkeys get such a bad rap? They are hard working, loving and incredibly cute. How did this shy animal come to represent all that is unconscionable in humans? Stubborn, stupid, unkind, self-serving? That’s not my experience.

Savannah McGuire

How are the feral donkey populations being controlled in the western US and on the GA coast?

Penny Loader

Whoa! Yes! So many! Why the ears? Do they have a different digestive system from horses? Because apparently they carry parasites that are really bad for horses? Is there a safe way to co-graze them? Why do they hide illness symptoms so well (an equine vet was telling me that by the time they show they're I'll they're basically cactus)?

OneHappyPuppy

Are they good guard animals for others in the paddock? Apart from being loud and alerting their neighbour's, will they also attack the predator?

Andrew Graetz

Cleopatra supposedly bathed in donkey milk everyday, are there any real health benefits?

Krawl One

Have donkeys and wild burros diverged genetically or is a burro essentially a feral donkey?

Summer Frazier

I found donkey milk soap at the grocery store years ago. I assume it's a byproduct. What industry uses donkeys in enough quantity that milk would be plentiful enough to make soap? I have been wondering this for years! Finally someone who may be able to answer! Thanks for what I suspect will be another amazing guest and interview!

Kayla

Why are mules infertile?

Sarah Chaney

Still unclear about the whole donkey - mule difference and how they are related or cross bred or hybridized with horses and which ones are sterile. I’m sure this will come up in the first 90 seconds and soooooo looking forward to it!!!

Jacob Stock

Why are donkeys called asses?

Ry_ofthetiger

Are donkeys more closely related to zebras or horses?

Keely Chavez

OMG also I think we just missed your expert in Andalusia! (Ologies merch photos to come) My wife Georgi (also ologist but 0 time question asker asked if they have a lisp 🤭)

Aurora Cullen

I would love to know why we seem to have so many more uses for mules than donkeys despite the challenge of making more mules

Caroline Chen

How did the donkey’s other name, ass, acquire its pejorative nature? Is it due to the donkey’s famously stubborn nature?

Kayla

Why are they called asses? Is it just slander?

Savannah McGuire

Why aren't miniature donkeys called dinkies?

Kelly Shaver

How many of the current "wild" donkeys are feral descendants of domesticated animals?

Nancy Kay Clark

How do miniature donkeys differ from standard donkeys in temperament? Are they sassier?

Dave Brewer

Is their reputation for stubbornness deserved? If so, what's the reason for this kind of behavior?

Diana Staresinic-Deane

I'm not sure of a better way to ask this, so... Just how related are donkeys to the other horse-shaped animals? Do they all have a common ancestor?

Karinsa

Elliott, age 9, asks: How much are donkeys and goats related? Urgent answer for an urgent question. (Word for word from the 9 yo)

Laura Wood

Do they really fight off bears? A ranch I worked on had a donkey to keep the horses safe from bears

Jacob Shepherd

What makes them so much more robust than a horse?

okayest mom

how smart are these little sweeties? can they be trained? I adore donkeys and i'm so excited for this episode!

Bridget Schraders

If one was to become a donkey guardian, would it be best to have at least two? I know some animals need to be with their own kind to be happy and healthy. Are donkeys herd animals?

Alli B

What is the evolutionary story of the donkey? How far are they actually to horses?

The Other Maya

True or False: donkeys are the cats of the equine family?

Aaron Marks

From my wife “There is a viral video of a donkey cuddling with a guy while he sings to him and I really wanna know if donkeys like to be cuddled and sung to or if this is an unusual donkey. “

Organic Free-Range Lily

1. Is it true that donkeys have a great sense of humour? 2. What's your take on Eeyore? Good (if gloomy) ambassador for all donkeys everywhere, or would you rather replace him with a more representative donkey? :) 3. Can I have a donkey as a pet? Is that even possible for urban dwellers?

Amy Lincoln

Who knew I actually had questions about donkeys until you said it was urgent? Why are they called (Jack)asses— what word came first (animal vs. hind part)? (Any parallels in other languages?) How many different kinds of donkey are there? Where are they native? Also, why can donkeys breed with other species and what’s the story with their offspring? Is it just horses? (Or could you cross a donkey and a zebra?) Is it like why dog breeds can mate and get mixed breeds or a totally different genetic situation?

Savannah McGuire

Why are they such good livestock guardians? Buck the donkey from South Carolina?

Chris Pottroff

FTQA: What's up with the distinctive donkey bray? I get it, "hee HAW" is a fun sound to make, but is there going on there?

Amanda

I feel like donkeys have a reputation for being just worse horses. How did that happen? Is it a colonial thing? (Is your guest a donkey biologist or a donkey sociologist, or both? Because I feel like a lot of these questions are more aimed at donkey sociology.)

Caroline Chen

What was growing up on a donkey farm like?

Kara Kopchinski

I once read that donkeys get lonely so you need to have another donkey or horse to keep them company, is that true?

Kelly Shaver

People on tiktok show their donkeys living inside their homes. Is that an ok thing?

Aki

Is there a difference between burros and donkeys? I live in Las Vegas and there are signs that ask people not to feed the “Wild Burros.” If they see the same, I wonder why the sign doesn’t just say “wild donkeys” instead? Less letters?

Empress of Smallwood

Please talk about donkey domestication. Pre horse? Post horse? Concurrent?

Storm

what even is a donkey

Amanda McClendon

how accurate is Donkey in Shrek (aside from the talking and sounding like Eddie Murphy)

Suzanne Dawson

How much weight can they carry or pull? Also, how strong can they kick?

Storm

how long have donkeys existed for

ValBeListening

What's the deal with calling them an ass

Peyton Nill

How is donkey care different from horse care? I volunteer at a sanctuary that has rescued horses and burros.

Kelsey fant

My husband( first time question asker) wants to know which breed and gender of donkey is best for live stock guarding? I (not a first time question asker, but humble patron) would like to know do donkeys need their teeth floated? And is it true that they don’t eat that much? What do you even feed a donkey? What are the financial obligations to donkey ownership? (Sorry I have a lot of donkey questions) Do donkeys make friends? I hear they like to have a pack. Do I need more than one donkey? ThankyousomuchAlieWardYoureTheBest

Waylo

I LOVE the videos of donkeys greeting their favorite humans! They put a smile on my face every time! Is it genuine affection? It sure seems that it is. Were donkeys bred to include this attraction or is this something they’ve always had?

Sydonie S.

How is Eeyore as a depiction of donkeys? Are they really that melancholy?

Quinn

Why can donkeys breed with zebras? Like what’s up with the zonkeys?

Channon Koty

Why do they live so much longer than horses?

Lindsay O'Neill

FTQA: you know that video where the dog gets zapped by the electric fence and runs off, then the donkey on the other side of the fence starts "laughing" at him? Please tell me that donkey actually has a great sense of humor and excellent comedic timing?

Lizzy Martinez

What do they eat? And have their teeth always been that big?

Julie

How does donkey social hierarchy work? Is there a dominant? If so how are they chosen?

Kelly Shaver

Is Eeyore a good representation of a donkey?

Matchstick Merryweather

Do donkeys bully other farm animals like goats, or can they be pasture pals?

E Jordan

Why are donkeys sometimes called Asses??

Brian Scott

Did donkey domestication influence Darwin's acceptance of natural selection in the same way he was swayed by dog breeding?

Peyton Nill

Are burros native to North America? I know horses are not, I assume donkeys were also brought as pack animals by the Spanish when they “discovered” 2 “new” continents?

Alli B

Where were donkeys first indigenous? Like, where’d they come from?

Ariel Emby

How did donkeys become a political symbol/why?

Kim Bonacker

Why did donkeys get stuck with the reputation of being stupid?

Alex Taylor

What area of their bodies do they like being patted or pet? Butt? Chin? Neck?

YourBuddyGage

What makes them smile like that? It warms my heart :)

William Russell

The fact that this email came to by inbox with URGENT in all caps warms my heart. Many years ago on Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on NPR there was a question about specialty cheese made from donkey milk. Is that true? And are donkeys the only equine raised (in isolated cases) for milk?

Matchstick Merryweather

Structurally, do horses and donkeys have the same skeletal structure? For example, number of vertebrae, leg structure, teeth, etc?

Alli B

Are donkeys also as stubborn as a mule?

Wandering Wyatt

Yes! I was going to ask about their intelligence.

AB

New favorite band name: “Last Minute Donkey Expert”

Alexandra Roth

What's the deal with hinnies and jennies and mules and donkeys? Why are there all these different designations? Or rather, please go over this again: which one is Mr Horse and Ms Donkey, which is Mr Donkey and Ms Horse, and which ones are sterile?

Ariel Emby

Are wild and domestic donkeys similar genetically, or is there divergence in those populations now?

Lau

I’m curious about the donkeys in Mexico. Are they considered a distinct subspecies, or are they the same as the generic domestic donkeys found in other parts of the world? Also, I have several friends who love and rescue them. From them, I have heard that their population has been declining significantly and may even be close to endangered status. Is that true? And if so, what efforts are currently being made, or could be made, to help protect and support their survival and well-being? (First(ish) question asker because the first time I asked, I forgot to mention it in my post)

Pamela K.

Why do they have the softest ears ever?

Caleb Kim

Donkeys have been depicted in various ways throughout media and the popular zeitgeist (Eeyore, Donkey from Shrek, symbol of the American Democratic Party). How accurate are these representations of donkeys? Are they really as stubborn/melancholy/resilient as they're put out to be?

Peyton Nill

Do donkeys communicate with each other differently than horses do? Asking because the donkeys I work with at the equine sanctuary do not give two rat butts when I try to use energy pressure to move them around, which is how horses move horses around. If I get big and intimidating, the horses see me speaking their language and treat me as the lead mare. If I do that with donkeys, they literally either go to sleep or try to kick me.

Meaghan Ratcliffe

why oh why is a donkey also called an ass?? are they mean or is it just an unfortunate evolution of slang??

Jo

My brothers donkey has to stick her tongue out when she drinks because she can't seal her lips. Why is this? Is there an evolutionary purpose?

Christine

Ellie and Arie want to know: Why do they say “Hee-Haw”?

Peyton Nill

Is it cruel to keep burros or donkeys as a coyote or wolf protection detail for your other livestock? Do donkeys succeed in chasing off predators, or is this a role they’re forced into out west that ends in donkey injury and fear?

Kelly Walker

What are fake myths about donkeys

Valary Joly

Can you tell me about the donkey island near Augusta, GA. I've heard of people kayaking out there. How did it get inhabited by wild donkeys?

Erin Snook

FTQA/ LTL! Why are their vocalizations so different from horses?

Melody Taylor

I heard a long time ago that zebras are more closely related to donkeys than horses. Donkeys and horses seem pretty closely related to me! Truth or donkey dung?

Sunflower star

Where are donkeys even native to? Are they better work animals? Why are they considered more like the poor persons' pack animal? How did the name "Ass" become their nickname but also an insult? What are the other not-horses and how are they all related (what's a hinnie!?)

Jill Burnham

What does donkey milk taste like and is there a range of donkey milk cheese out there?? (First time)

Peyton Nill

Horses are considered domesticated animals, are donkeys the same?

Connie DeFazio

I was recently stationed at Fort Irwin, California where the wild donkeys are protected. I heard a tale that a few years back, some other government entity physically relocated the donkeys from the area, but within one season they returned. Do donkeys have a "homing" system like migrating birds or butterflies?

Kim Greiner

I’ve always heard that donkeys are super intelligent, where do they compare to animals like horses and pigs on brain activity / smartyness?

Matt Thompson

Is there a difference between wild burros and donkeys?

Lindsay O'Neill

FTQA: What are donkeys better at than horses? As in, what niche do they fill in service to humans that horses aren't as good at?

Alli B

What are your real feelings about mules and hinnies? Do they exist in nature (any horse-donkey love stories in the wild)?

Matt Thompson

Do they bray differently to mean different things?

Dr. Niki

ALIE I NEED YOU TO KNOW THERES A BURROFEST IN MANCOS CO AND IM GOING THIS WEEKEND AND IM SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Kim Greiner

What people / area first domesticated them as work animals?

Peyton Nill

Are all types of donkeys the same species? Are they considered different breeds of donkey, just like you have breeds of horse within equus caballus?

The Joyful Spitfire

Why are they referred to as an “ass”? Does it have to do with the Latin?

Dylan V

Where are donkeys native too, and were there horses in that same area? Are there more closely related species than horses?

Matt Thompson

Are there any programs to buy wild donkeys in the same way we can buy wild horses through BLM?

Peyton Nill

What’s the best place to scritch a donkey? The ones at the sanctuary I volunteer at like scritches on their poll (dadward- that’s the top of their head at the base of their ears) but I’ve never met a horse that likes that. Is this common to donkeys or are Sundance and Sierra the burros just a unique pair?

Connie DeFazio

How easy is it to tame a wild donkey? I knew a guy who was able to adopt a wild donkey from the state of California because the young donkey befriended the man and his horses. After cutting through some red tape, he was legally able to take his new young donkey when he moved out of state.

Dylan Manthei

How many horsepower can a donkey produce? And what's up with people putting them in pens or pastures with other creatures for protection, or do I have the wrong animal?

Erin White

MMkay so talk to me about mules as donkey progeny: Are mules *always* sterile? If so, why? And when the parents get together, is the horse always the mom? How does the dad get up there? Or if vice versa how does she carry a massive baby? So many logistical questions...

The Joyful Spitfire

Do donkeys live in herds like how horses do? What is their social structure like? Do donkeys want to be friends or are they more solitary creatures.

Brenna Hull

How do you feel about Donkey from Shrek? In your expert opinion, how would a donkey go about making waffles?

Cheryl_Beryl

I LOVE DONKEYS SO MUCH!!! I am a vet who doesn't go within 50 feet of equids, but I LOVE THEM. Let's clear up some rumors that have led to a bad rep--why are they Equus assinus? Did this predate ass being a "bad word"? Do they just have big ol butts? They're not actually any more stubborn than other equids, so why did donkeys get that particular rep? ALL equids are stubborn...or do they just have discerning taste about how they spend their time? Also my friend's cat's name is Donkey. I think its adorable! That's all!

Mariah Ramsey

For Alie: Has there been an ass joke yet? If not, “What do you call a donkey with a PhD? …a smart ass.” For the expert: “What’s your favorite horse breed/donkey cross?”

Batty

Where do you fall on the species debate? Are donkeys just a subspecies of wild ass or are they separate species? (side note, can you talk about the kunga?) Also, just for fun: What are your thoughts on the American Mammoth Jack Ass?

Robin Kuehn

Please tell us about the donkeys living wild in the deserts of the US and Australia! How are they so good at living there?

The Other Maya

Are donkeys actually even domesticated, or are our "domesticated" donkey friends close enough to their wild counterparts that it's a different thing. Like cats. Follow-up: are donkeys more or less "domesticated" than goats? Tangentially related philosophical question: are goats a symbol of evil because they return so quickly to their wild forms when feral, and sheep are considered good because they are truly domesticated and can't live without humans? Is this also why cats "aren't to be trusted?" Or, is it more of an outright distain for authority that makes them "bad"? And if so, then why are donkeys not a shorthand for evil, or I guess actually heresy, when a donkey do what a donkey do? Is it the carrying of burdens that redeems them? Namaste 📿🙏

Mark McPhillips

Where does the phrase "donkeys ago" come from? Is it because they have short/long lifespans?

Meg Shooter

Have donkeys as we know them today been bred for work etc or are they still close to their original genes?

Richard Harbaugh

How do donkeys survive in the California desert in the summer?

Emily Stewart

I came here also to ask if Donkey is the best movie donkey! I have to assume he is.

shyla bradford

How many types of donkeys are there? Where are they originally from? And what’s with the cross breeding to make mules etc…??

The Other Maya

True or false: donkeys are actually remarkably patient and popular culture has done them a dirty

the ren you know

Have you ever been bitten by a donkey and what did you do to deserve it?

The Open Road Before Me

First time question asker here, asking on behalf of my silent book club friends: Do smaller donkeys have bigger personalities?

Lily

How old are donkeys, like when did they pop on the scene evolutionarily

Rebecca Morrison

Why are mini-donkeys the cutest things? Can they be trained as service animals like miniature horses? Also, donkey milk as a skincare ingredient?! Is it flimflam that donkey milk is the closest to human milk?

Sarah

The beloved kids book Big Red Barn includes a sunset scene before all the animals (other than the mice and the bats) go to bed. It reads in relevant part, “the little donkey gave one last bray”. How do donkeys actually behave around sunset - are they known for being early to bed, or staying up later than other similar animals? Do they ever just bray for the sake of braying, or is it always functional? Do young (“little”?) donkeys bray more or less than adults or have different daily rhythms?

Kate Noonan

Why do donkeys make the eeeeyyy oorrree noise??? It’s such a different noise to horses/ponies, are they closely related?

Emily Stewart

Is it true that they use donkeys for tours in the Grand Canyon because they are smarter than horses and won’t jump off the edge if (hopefully inadvertently) told to? Or is this an urban legend?

Ara Victor

Do they get insecure when theyre around horses

Ara Victor

When/Where were they originally domesticated? Are there any wild donkeys left?

GhoulNextDoor

What jobs have donkeys historically worked? When did humans befriend and employ them?

RegularGuy

Has anyone studied donkeys' love of music. I've seen several musicians, and the donkeys seem over the moon (<--innocent ass reference there) with the music...

Kate Timms

In popular culture, donkeys seem to be portrayed as poorly when compared to the way horses are portrayed. What aspects of a donkey are better or more remarkable than a horse? They need some positive press!

ValBeListening

Why do they have such big ears? Especially since they make such high pitched noises? Doesn't that hurt their ears??

Aaron Wood

What’s the story with donkeys and mules? Who’s who, and who are the parents?

AussieColin

Does the 'carrot on a stick' trick work or is it just a myth? :-)

Iris Hutchings

Yes! Are they really that stubborn? Also if so, is it because of intelligence? How do they measure up in intelligence?

the ren you know

Gotta ask about "burritos"... the food and the animal are both superior, coincidence??

Daisy-me-rollin

Where are they native to? How have they evolved over time?

Richard Harbaugh

Why do donkeys attack each other so viciously. Many have permanently damage jaws.

Chris Curious

Do donkeys actually enjoy being a companion for a lonely horse?

Hannah nolen

Not a question, but I just want to highlight how incredible donkeys were in western nc in the wake of hurricane helene, getting supplies to the rural communities that were inaccessible via roads ❤️

erin farley

Donkeys as guardian animals for other livestock. How does it work? Do the donkeys like it? Do they learn to speak sheep?

Raja

I only ever knew one donkey in my life, but she was such a charmer! I'd love to hear about donkey personalities!

Grace Evers

What’s the emotional intelligence of a donkey? They get used as therapy animals for humans and other animals, and do they know to an extent what they’re doing. Do they like being around others and being calm and helping?

NickyTeddy Palmer

Is the myth that a donkey can’t be “run to death” versus a horse that can be, true?

Mandie Viscusi

My husband is recently obsessed with getting a donkey, so his questions are: how much space do you truly need to keep one? And do they really need a companion? Or would one be ok by itself? I want to know, why so many names? I feel like horse is a horse, people don’t usually refer to them as mares/other things -

Karisa May

At what age/under what conditions should pack-donkeys be freed from traversing trails like the Grand Canyon? Is that humane work, or should humans hoof that trail unaided?

Av Gehlhausen

[song related] HOW DID DOMINICK THE DONKEY BECOME THE ITALIAN CHRISTMAS DONKEY ??

NickyTeddy Palmer

What continent has the largest population of donkeys?

Dani the dino

How do donkeys behave in the wild, and where do they come from? What makes them so well suited for farm work?

Lisa in Tucson

Is it true that donkeys are highly empathetic and can act protectively toward other animals (like sheep)?

Colby Evans

From my kid, Chase. What are the Genetic differences between donkeys, mules and horses. What’s the advantage of a mule? Why breed them specifically?

Alicia Henning

Please help me understand why I love donkeys are the best animals ever. Why do I love them so much?

Naia Holte

If you had to compare the personality of a horse and a donkey what would you say are the biggest differences? Second, very related and important question-Who'd be in your dream blunt rotation? A donkey, or a horse

Andrea Burnett

Are there any documented cases of donkeys displaying lateral thinking or problem-solving skills that would suggest they’re secretly the MacGyvers of the animal world?

Lisa in Tucson

What’s the evolutionary origin of the bray? Why do they sound the way they do?

Agegamon

OK: the sounds. Are donkey vocalizations used by donkeys in any special ways? Are they a thing mainly for interacting with non-donkeys (IE humans?)

Stephanie Rosso

How different would a donkey have been 5000 years ago vs now? How many variations have we bred since original domestication?

Wren

I came to ask this too! Why are donkeys naturally protective of livestock? And how do they protect them? Will they attack a predator or do they just scare them away?

Nicky G

A la Seinfield ... What's the deal with donkeys vs. mules?

HannahBoNannas

I’ve always wondered about the infamous fear factor episode that got the show cancelled. Would that have harmed anybody if they went through with it?

Rick T

What makes them especially good as pack animals?

Karen Yip

Nathan (age 10) would like to know "How much force is a donkey kick?" I would like to know more about why they are chosen as guards/tough-guy companions with herds of cattle. Driving through ag land in Texas we see donkeys with the cattle.

Erin Whidden

Every donkey I’ve had the pleasure of meeting has stared straight into my soul upon eye contact… I’ve only ever had this feeling with one horse (who promptly bit me afterwards) and my dogs. What’s the deal? Why do their eyes seem so human?

Agegamon

I read somewhere that they were domesticated in Africa (is that correct?) something like 5000 (!?) years ago. How different is a donkey today from back then? Are there different versions (edit: breeds I swear my brain works) globally considering that they've spread out due to domestication?

RG

They look like they smile! Are they really smiling? They seem very chill and content- is this real or am I anthropomorphizing?

kellyerin

Do donkeys actually get depressed? I once met a donkey who seemed very sad, but they also lived in a children's zoo so I empathize.

Melea Holland

When I picture my future self, I have a donkey side kick along with my dogs. Why are they so adorable? Do they make good pets? What kind of a friend do they need? Shetland pony? Baby cow? I’m actually serious.

Emmett

From my friend’s boyfriend: what’s the tallest donkey ever recorded? From my friend: how good is a donkey’s memory?

Clur 🌱

What is the history of donkeys being bred into mules? Why do they make the noises they make? Do people ride them like horses? Do they have the same digestion concerns as horses (not being able to regurgitate, colic, etc.)?

Zuleika Pevec

I have a personal dream to have a trio of pack animals: a donkey, a llama and a goat. From the donkey’s perspective, would this be an acceptable herd? And based on donkey culture, what would the pecking order be? PS I would never carry that much stuff into the backcountry to need even one pack animal, but you know, for the end of times…

Smiley Kylie (she/her)

Is there an evolutionary reason for why a donkey makes the eee—ahh sound? ☺️

Dawn and Eric Easton

I’m always confused about donkeys, mules, jackasses. Please set me straight.

Erin Whidden

I just had to look it up… there just aren’t any words. 🤢

Ellen

Donkeys appear to have such fun natures, but they are used as beasts of burden. Is the playfulness…uh…trained(?) out of them? Or are “worker donkeys” bred for work?

Aeriel Belk

According to an equine nutritionist friend, donkeys apparently are better at digesting lignins than ruminants…is this true? What microbes and enzyme systems are involved to do that?

Nina Wilson

first time question asker: WHY ARE THEY SO LOUD??????

Jenn Macgillivray

Are they really as stubborn as the old adage claims? Also, do they like hauling people up hills? I liked seeing them on the steps in Santorini but I worried they weren’t being ethically treated.

RaeBayBay

What’s the history of donkeys and their relationship to humans? When did we domesticate them? Were they once wild? Are there wild donkeys? Also How strong is a donkey kick? Has it ever been measured??

Aeriel Belk

There’s a cattle farm near me that uses donkeys as guard animals. How do they know their job is to protect the cattle? What would they do if an actual predator (or someone just riding by on a bike making them nervous lol) showed up?

Vanessa Adams

Why do they have such a unique vocal range compared to other equines? The noises they make are other worldly!

Dylan

my question is yea wtf

Dave Dwelley

If someone's daughter was able to have a rescue donkey, what environment would be most comfortable for that donkey? Would two or three rescue donkey's be happier together? Also, do they get along well with other domesticated animals, if so, which ones?

Dylan

like what are they doin

Dylan

why are their penises so big?

Dylan

do they like a little pet? i can never tell…

Waldrand

I have seen farmers keep donkeys with cattle because they will fend off predators. Is this true? If so, how and why?

T Noz

Had the same question. Is it all artificial insemination nowadays?

Stephanie

Is it true that donkeys can see all four of their hooves at the same time (and horses can’t??) thus making them more sure-footed mounts for treacherous terrain such as the Grand Canyon?

Neal Greenstein

How did a donkey end up being called and ass and how did it become associated with a human rear end?

T Noz

Have some pics of what I figure are burros out near the Imperial Dam last year. Seemed to be a good size herd out there.

Vanessa Adams

Are donkeys to family equidae as goats are to family bovidae? Like tough MFers that could be domesticated but don’t really need to be?

rowantree

please share your favorite donkey story and favorite field story!!

Vanessa Adams

Why are some donkeys really little and some giant? I met a Poitou donkey once and feel like it was a highly underrated breed

Honeybee

Do donkeys like doing work/having jobs? I always feel so bad for them when I see them carrying something :(

Honeybee

Love these questions!

Elise

From my 5 year old son, Gabe: “why do they have teeth like humans?”

Vanessa Adams

Why breed mules when we have horses and donkeys? Why are donkeys more resilient and efficient than horses, is it because we’ve bred horses too specialized for certain traits? And not donkeys?

Heather Livingston

How did humans and donkeys get to know each other? How far back does their association go? Besides braying, what vocalizations do donkeys make? Where did they originate? Do they appear in cave art? Are there birds that specialize hanging out with donkeys? I tend to think of them as solitary - do they (in the wild) form family communities or go solo as soon as they’re able? Are there still wild donkeys living anywhere? How smart are they? Do they like to play games?

Key Kiani

Are donkey laughs genuine? If so, what's so funny?

Linda English

Why are they so heckin adorable???

Clayton Clark

Stubborn or smart? Do donkey's just stop when they've had enough and ignore their human's wishes? I recently heard someone say "Owls are not wise they're dumb, they can't even be trained" and I thought that seemed pretty smart.

Hope

why us every donkey i’ve met the most mischievous creature to exist and why can you successfully breed donkeys with horses and why do we bother?

Charlotte Parkinson

Who did it better for the donkeys? Shrek or Winnie the Pooh?

Julia Sweet

What’s the status of the world’s wild asses? Are there any left in the wild?

Devon Baker

Could they ever replace horse-drawn carriages?

Ingrid Felsl

Why are the burros in the west protected? I just visited Nevada for the first time, and they were everywhere!

Nancy Kay Clark

How much can an average sized donkey really carry? I saw some in Greece in the early 1990's that seemed to carry more than their share, e.g. stacks of straw taller than they were, two full-grown adults, etc.

Bernadette Escamilla

How did so many donkeys end up in Oatman, AZ????? And have you been there?

Amanda Lee

Are donkeys related to zebras? Are there any native wild donkeys outside Africa today?

Creature Feature

Did donkeys evolve to talk to each other from a distance for some reason? I’m just guessing an explanation for their super loud braying.

Laurel

I read it in his voice (thank you)

Kiirsten May

I am curious about primitive markings. Where did they come from, where did they go (where did they come from cotton eyed joe). Why are they so common in donkeys and mules but not horse breeds?

Megan Dawe

What different nutritional needs do donkeys have in comparison to other equines? The donkey we know best gets no grain (only hay and forage) while his mini horse and pony compatriots of comparable size do. Is this unique to him or is grain not part of a typical donkey diet?

Brittany Briceño

I live in Western NC and there were pack mules being used to bring supplies to communities inaccessible by vehicle after Hurricane Helene hit last year. What makes mules particularly suited for this sort of labor as compared to donkeys or horses? Are there tasks that donkeys are considered best suited?

Nicky G

Always happy to oblige! 😆

Maggie

Where do donkeys originate, anyway?

Nancy Kay Clark

Are donkeys hardier than horses? Are they better foragers? More or less likely to colic or develop laminitis?

Maggie

Are donkeys really suborn, and if so, why?

Megan Dawe

What anatomical structures lead to their very different method of expressing themselves vocally in comparison to horses? Or is it more like linguistic differences in human communication?

Tony Vessels

What's up with burros? Are......are they donkeys?

Maggie

How many...idk, flavors? Breeds? of Donkey are there? What's the biggest? The smallest?

Hannah Kastoryano-Hudson

Why are they called asses? Why do they sound different than horses? Why is their milk like humans? So many questions!

redtoque

would looove to hear about the stereotypes / symbolism of donkeys across lots of different cultures

Hannah Johnson

Once I was driving around in central California and saw a huge flock of hundreds of sheep, and one single donkey running with them. Is this a thing? Or did that particular donkey just think it was a sheep?

redtoque

ok, do donkeys lie down to sleep? or can they sleep standing up too?

Emily Krieger

is there a trick to remember what's a donkey and what's a mule?

Cynthia F

When were donkeys domesticated? Was it earlier or later than horses? Also would love to hear about the differences between working with horses vs donkeys. And what is up with the link between equine asses and human butts???

Simone Francoeur

Where do donkeys originate from and when did they first evolve? Did the horse or the donkey evolve first? Are there any extinct species of donkeys?

Chris Eff

It’s sort of tradition to yell “Horse!” when you see a passing horse so why do I feel so inclined to go “HEE HAW!” when I see a donkey instead of yelling “Donkey”?

Katie Seeger

Their hooves! At the sanctuary where I volunteer, there’s such a difference between horses, mules, and donkeys when it comes to hoof issues. (Even when you factor for riding.) Are their specific things that make their hooves better/stronger/less prone to issues?

Kalila Elahi

Are there any legendary donkeys? (Besides the obvious from shrek) but like little guys who saved their humans or were good livestock guardians?

Katie Seeger

I actually know the answer for this! Donkeys make great guardians. They can take out coyotes with a single kick.

Emily Krieger

i would like to know about wild donkeys. upon reflection, i don't really know anything about them.

Alicia B

why do they bray like that why are they so stinkin cute and nice where did they come from do they make excellent pets

Emily Krieger

why are their ears longer? is it to cool off?

TheBugKid

Why is riding horses so much more popular then riding donkeys, they are impressively athletic and so much braver then horses so why are horses the ‘chosen one’

Sarah Cork Henderson

What is the history of their domestication and how have they been used for labor around the world, especially modern day? Also, what about that attitude. Serious characters.

Rosa

I shared this call for questions with my dad because he LOVES donkeys! Here are his questions: - Is it humane to raise a miniature donkey in the suburbs? - Is it difficult to raise a miniature donkey? - What kind of winter quarters are required for donkeys in Colorado?

Squirrelfriend

ZEDONKS. How? Why? Do they occur in the wild? Has there ever been a case of a zedonk reproducing? I love them.

Natalia Quinones

Is it true that they’re stubborn? (Would like to hear more about their domestication + trainability compared to other equids)

Stefania

What's up with Zonkeys? How did that hybrid come to be?

Alice Rubin

How did donkeys evolve? Where on the globe do wild donkeys exist? why do I love them so much!? How did donkeys come to also be called ass?

Alyssa Berg

My partner asks, simply, “What’s the deal with mules? And why do we do that?”

Stefania

Why have donkeys, who as I understand are smart and strong, become a symbol for being dumb or foolish. When in pop culture did they get a bad rap?

Ettegoom

My Mom always called me a donkey - apparently because I was really stubborn as a kid? Where does this symbolism come from? Why are horses not considered stubborn?

Ettegoom

When I was a kid, the donkey who lived down the road from my grandma had a phantom pregnancy - is this common or was it just a really weird fluke? What causes this???

Ettegoom

Yes! How did we get donkeys? did they come before or after horses? are they a type of horse that got isolated and became a donkey, a mutant? What???

Ettegoom

There's Bottom (from Midsummernight's Dream)...

Hannah Riedl

Why are they called jackasses?

Ellen Orleans

(First time question asker.) Author Susan Orlean and others have written about the donkeys of Fez, Morocco. This raises the question of “beasts of burden.” Is all human use of animals a form of exploitation? If not, where are the lines between use, misuse and abuse?

Jon Boyer

What is the difference (if any) between donkeys, burros, asses, and mules?

Marc Rubin

Are there any scientifically proven ways to get a donkey to follow commands? A friend of mine is doing the Leadville (CO) Pack Burro Race with borrowed donkeys this coming August and is having quite the time getting them donks to run (let alone get in a trailer). Also, Alie- PLEASE do an episode on veterinary gerontology with my lovely wife, Dr Ashley Portmann of Home Together Vet in Gunnison Colorado!! https://www.instagram.com/p/DKsEoCLx5-I/?igsh=aGx0NG9oOWl1Y2ph

Shivani Rajan Hetschel

First time question asker, long time listener and ologite here! I’ve heard about donkeys being good guardians of their herds - chasing off coyotes and even mountain lions; curious if they’d face down a bear? And why are they so gutsy and hardcore? Second question: I was a horse girl growing up and always wondered why mules especially seem to have very upright feet compared to horses. Why is that?

Heather Livingston

My husband wants to know why are donkey and monkey pronounced differently

Payton Henderson

How do donkey social structures work or compare to horse social systems?

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

Why do mules and donkeys stereotypically have more stubborn personalities than horses have a reputation for? Is it actually based in fact at all? If not, why did they get that pinned on them? If they have rightfully earned their reputation, why are they more stubborn?

Rachel von Morrigan

Is it their bray or their feisty, bitey behavior that keeps predators away? Or both? And how much will my suburban neighbors hate me if I just happened to bring a stray one home?

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

As far as I know, I'm not a donkey, but I also have bad a phantom or false pregnancy. In late high school I had all the signs and symptoms and hormones of pregnancy for about seven or eight months, but there was nothing in there. My docs chalked it up to a combo of weird luck, adrenal fatigue, and just generally being in an exhausting depletion of my adrenal reasons from being extremely chronically stressed, sleep deprived, depressed, not taking care of my physical or mental or social health because I was trying so hard to make myself do the piles and piles of homework we were assigned daily in International Baccalaureate classes. So I dunno, maybe that duine l donkey was just under a ton of pressure? 😅

Squirrel Nutkin

How smart are they? I used to work near one and was pretty surprised at his behavior—seemed much more intelligent than I expected

Shivani Rajan Hetschel

Third question: I’ve heard they can be quite forcefully affectionate / needy with humans they like. Is this true?

Britt Carp

I don’t have a question but I want to share that when my daughter was 3 she randomly insisted on being a donkey for Halloween, and then last minute decided she would wear the ears and tail I made but wanted to wear her “fancy rainbow dress” instead of grey pajamas, and did her own full face paint of rainbow colors and while trick-or-treating announced to neighbors that she was a “birthday donkey” as if it were absurd they didn’t know.

Bee

How much do donkeys bond with humans?

Canadian gal

I know it’s common for farmers to place a donkey with other animals for companionship, I believe that’s the reason for this. I’ve seen some donkey postings on instagram, the one where the donkey is super excited about a squeaky rubber chicken. Why is that? Are they as intelligent or more intelligent and lovable than say a pet dog? And yet I’ve seen some donkeys that are just mean and miserable. It would seem they have the intelligence/sympathy feelings of at least a five year-old person.

Björn Fredberg

Is there any truth to the saying "stubborn as a mule"? And is there any way of getting on their good side?

Björn Fredberg

How strong are donkeys for riding? More specifically, can I weighing in at almost 90kg and 184 cm ride a donkey?

Björn Fredberg

Are donkeys pack animals? Do you have to keep them at least in pairs so they don't get lonely? Can they be satisfied with other animals, like living with a heard of sheep?

grass

Do donkeys, zebras, and horses share a common ancestor? if so when did they start split apart and why did donkeys evolve the way they did?

Bobby Baldocchi

What is something that you find super cool and/or interesting about donkeys but you don’t often get the opportunity to talk about?

BatRachy

WHY are people so surprised at how playful donkeys are? I work with rescue donks, and LOVE to watch their games together. From tug of war with enrichment toys, to wrestling with each other, always up for fun. Why do people expect them to just be stood around, when they are the most curious and fun-loving equines around?!

Kellie Due

What is unique about the ecological niche donkeys fill?

Paige McLachlan

Why are female donkeys called jennies???

Ettegoom

Woah! Wild! I hope she wasn't under that kind of pressure! I used to take her apples... I was so scared that she would bite off my fingers (My sister had her finger bitten off by a rabbit, so it was a valid fear!)

Kurt Swanson

So which came first: Ass as another word for donkey, or ass as another word for butt?

Kate Press S Key

Is it true that donkeys have an innate hatred for canines or is that a myth?

Han O'Reilly

Is Donkey in Shrek a fair an accurate representation of donkeys?

Erin Gunderson

They're so silly! But also, I have known people to keep them with alpacas and other small animals in the coast range of Oregon as defense against predators. How can something so doofy and charming fend off a wild cat???

Ruby Gordon

What's the purpose of their very particular donkey sound? Is it to warn others or is it to impress the ladies? Or something else entirely? Is it just for shits and giggles??

Kieran H

Why do donkeys heehaw, and why do they do it so LOUD?!

Kieran H

Did donkey cross-breeds (mules, zonkeys) first come about naturally, or was there human intervention?

Kieran H

Do donkeys make good pets?

Alexandra R Thompson

The only donkey I've ever met is soooooo soft and has the prettiest eyes. Not really a question but she made me love donkeys - shout out to Guadalupe the Donkey!

jujubeans

WHY DO THEY LAUGH yet are so grump? also why were they used for pack animals?

Eileen in Oz

Is a burro another name for a donkey? Or a subspecies? Are the wild donkeys (burros) in North America decendants of equines that were brought over from Europe (like mustangs)?

Clare Davis

Why do they have such a bad reputation of being ornery or misbehaving? They seem so misunderstood

etherdog

If you bother a donkey, is that considered 'Har-ass-ment"? What other puns and jokes have you had to withstand because the word "ass" is often considered a synonym for "donkey", and is there any difference?

Jaz

What adaptations do donkey's have that help them live in their environment?

Alyssa Erika

How many donkeys is too many donkeys? Do they start to bicker in large groups? What are wild donkey clans like?

Orla Spurr

While trying to devise a question, I fell down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Interesting fact I thought y'all might appreciate: different species of equines (donkeys, horses & zebras) have different numbers of chromosomes. This is one reason why equine hybrids such as mules cannot reproduce. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebroid#Genetics

Vanessa Frey

There are wild donkeys near my house in Colton, California. A large herd lives in Reche Canyon, between Colton and Moreno Valley. Their population has also been extending into Riverside, CA. They are now a common sight on the UC Riverside campus.

Orla Spurr

Why do they have such lovely floppy ears? Is it because they evolved in warmer climates than horses and needed to be able to swat away flies?

Vanessa Frey

There is a population of wild burros near me in Reche Canyon, CA. They are very popular with the community, but sometimes pose a risk of getting hit by traffic. Recently San Bernardino County had a large segment of the population moved to Texas. It was a very controversial plan with many vocal opponents. Is relocating half the herd for population control a detrimental thing or ultimately a beneficial thing for the health of the population?

ariel.vanzandt

Why do donkeys make such a distinct sound? Is it "haw-hee" or "hee-haw"?

ariel.vanzandt

What is there ideal climate? Do they prefer deserts?

ariel.vanzandt

How many different species of donkeys are there?

Katy

Why does donkey milk make good soap but not good food?

Katy

Why do donkeys make good livestock guardians?

Katy

Why do we have donkey sanctuaries? How do we support a donkey sanctuary?

margo.rainbow

First time question asker. I was in Santorini Greece and rode a donkey (actually a mule) up the zig zag path. Although I loved it and giggled the whole way - I feel like the animals aren’t taken care of very well and aren’t loved by the owners as much as I loved them. I saw some articles about that as well. Is anyone advocating for those working animals? (I wanted to bring them all home with me and love on them)

ariel.vanzandt

Aside from stature, are there primary physical characteristics that are distinct to donkeys from other ungulates?

Lina Staudt

Why must they scream? You know when you have an itch? It feels like they have to get out their screams in that sort of way. Are there other ways in which they communicate?

Lina Staudt

Do we know how the donkey x Human symbiosis developed?

Lina Staudt

Are donkeys misunderstood? I feel like in pop culture they're often called stubborn or lazy, but I think they're more than that!

Guido

What do you think about donkey races? Are they bad for the animal?

guildeforde

Where in the world did they come from? Do we know where in the world the first donkeys came from?

Wonky Donkey

As a resident of Guernsey (island in the English Channel) we're lovingly known as Donkeys (nothing to do with our stubbornness...). Why do you think donkeys capture people's affections in such a different way to horses? (First time question asker, long time listener and fan of the show)

Marianne Thomas

Oh My God what is the evolutionary benefit to that noise? How was that a decision nature made? If I was religious it would make me distrust my deity

Cyntia B

How are donkeys placed on the evolutionary tree compared to other equids? How close are they to primitive horses like the tarpan?

Arami Farias

First time question asker. In Paraguay the word we use for donkey is "burro", which is the same word we use for "dumb". But I don't feel like they deserve to be called that. Are they dumb? Also, why are they so tiny and cute and loud?

Cyntia B

Donkeys have been released in the wild in many countries. But where can we find indigenous wild donkey populations?

Hazelnut

Are there wild donkeys anywhere??

Jolliebean

Are donkeys really “that” stubborn, and if so, why?

Her Ladyship Jen

Came here to ask this and so happy I'm not the only one who doesn't grasp the distinctions (yet!).

Arami Farias

My partner Eli wonders how donkeys express joy or excitement. Are they being happy, annoyed or something else when they're making sounds?

Olivier Calas

How do donkeys rank on the equine intelligence spectrum?

Julia Reichelt

What was the donkey’s ancestor before we domesticated them?

Julia Reichelt

How closely related are donkeys and horses genetically?

Julia Reichelt

Why is donkey well-being not a cause we hear about more? I’ve seen many donkeys in many countries across the globe treated super badly and I think they deserve our empathy and better care, yet I never hear anything about this topic

Ellie Snowden

Why was Eeyore so depressed? Or in less animated terms, what makes donkeys the mosstt happy/sad?

Lisa Gorman

How long ago did donkeys and horses share a common ancestor? Where did donkeys come from? Is there an ancestral wild donkey somewhere in prehistory and what do we think it was like?

Lisa Gorman

Why do some horses seem fine with donkeys and others seem incredibly weirded out by them?

Lisa Gorman

How long have people been breeding donkeys and horses to make mules?

Sinclair

What are the internet donkeys so much more sassy, so much attitude, compared to horses?

Kai Pie

Are donkeys and asses the same? Also, why are their eyelashes so beautiful??

Meagan Walker

Are they really stubborn, or is it a freeze response?

Heather Leonard

Some people use donkeys to guard herds. Is this a new thing or have people used them for this for a while? There’s an internet donkey that bites little goats on the back and carries them around when they get into his pen. Why is he doing that? I’ve always heard donkeys are just mean in general, is that true?

Olga Kolesnikova

Why are donkeys so often mistreated? How can we help them?

Britt Kline

My partner wants to know… ”why are they the fucking best /perfect little guardian snuggle angels?!? 😍” (Both my partner and their dad share a mutual appreciation for donkeys & wish they could take care of some one day)

Tabitha Dell’Angelo

I have a donkey like that, her name was Isabelle and when I would visit she would lean against me. I loved that.

Julie W

What community makes a donkey happy? Lots of other donkeys? Just any type of animal? And why are they so protective?

Jo Alexander

What about mini donkeys-should I bring a couple home?

Jill Lambie

I’ve heard that donkeys are good guard animals and can keep coyotes away. What other kinds of animals can they guard against? Bears? Also, do they ever turn too guard-ey and attack their people and their pets, or the animals they’re protecting?

Adam Foote

One from me, one from my wife! From me: what's their evolutionary history? Are they closely related to horses or something else entirely? From my wife: Why and how do they sound like that? It's not the sound I'd expect that animal to make!

Jen O

I know that donkeys can mate with horses and produce mules, which are sterile. Who was the first to perform this "experiment," or did humans observe it happen naturally? Do breeders still do this intentionally, and if so, why?

Casey Daigle

Which character more accurately represents donkey personalities: Eeyore or Donkey from Shrek?

Casey Daigle

Are they capable of the same speeds, proportional to their leg length, as horses?

Erin Burbidge

How are donkeys able to carry such heavy loads, as it's not something they had to do to survive in the wild? How does their strength compare to horses and mules, per kg of body weight?

Michael Breyette

Why is the donkey the symbol of the Democratic party? What are the positive traits/perceptions of a donkey that inspired this choice? Was it even chosen by the party?

Casey Daigle

I saw a social media post about them carrying lambs (in pockets!) to higher ground... What other unexpected cargo do they creatively haul?

Charlie W

FTQA: I've heard that donkey milk is similar to human milk and good for lactose intolerant kiddos who can't be breastfed for whatever reason.. is this true and how/why are they similar given that donkeys aren't close relatives for us? Should we all be putting donkey milk in our coffee?

Euan Munro

Why are they so cute? Being specific, have they been selectively bred for cuteness over time by humans?

Anisa George

Does anyone in the world eat them on the regular? (Ruya Rothenberg age 9)

Mini Minnie

Do donkeys really go after coyotes? I’ve always heard you should get a donkey to protect your livestock

Marta Barnez

(first time question asker) Yay my mom is a huge fan of donkeys! I hadn't realized that burros and donkeys are separate - is it just that burros are wild donkeys or is there more of a genetic distinction? Why are hinnies rarer than mules? Does it hurt their backs or leg joints when they’re loaded up to the sky with so much to carry?

Mini Minnie

Why are they so sure-footed? Is it something about hoof structure, or a really good sense of balance?

CRH

FTQA: can you speak about Donkey Factor ( the red blood cell antigen that only donkeys have) and how this effects the reproductive outcome of mares carrying mule foals

Andy Pepper

What’s up with that raspy, rusty donkey bray? Did that sound evolve for a reason?

Pam

My neighbor had to sell her donkeys because they were picking up her newborn calves in their mouth and carrying them. Is this normal? Why do they do this?

Rachael Mae

Also curious about this!

Shayla Borger

I know its not quite the same, but mule. What's the deal? Why are they sterile, and are they even a species? Why do they exist? And which has the most 'tude: Donkeys (i.e., "jackass") or Mules (i.e., "stubborn as a mule")?

Meagan Walker

For my sister-in-law Weronika (like Veronica but Polish): in northern Ontario and other remote places donkeys are often included on small farms for livestock defence against bears and coyotes and such. Is this actually a practical reason to keep them? Do they fight the predators or are they just super loud?

Shayla Borger

or Nester the Long Eared Christmas Donkey?

Blobfish guy

why do donkeys have such a distict call from everything else?

LightBrownPillow

Is it true a donkey can help protect cattle from mountain lions? My cousin who owns a few cows once said he was considering getting a donkey for that reason

ZedzDedBaby

Which species is older? Donkeys or horses ? Is it true they come from critters the size of rats ?

Sarah

Why are they smarter than horses? ARE they smarter than horses?

Ted Vician

How closely are donkeys/burros related to zebras?

Josh

I also wanted to know this!

Emily Krieger

dang, i'm pumped to learn more about donkeys, am realizing i don't know much!🫏

Autumn Knol

I know donkeys can be bred with horses to make mules, but can they be bred with zebras? If so are they "dobras" or "zonkeys"?

Autumn Knol

Where do donkeys come from? Did they go with horses from the Americas to Asia and back again?

Allie Brown

Why are they so cute that they make me cry

Alex Eli

What do they do in the wild? Are they used primarily to carry things / fend off wild dogs and coyotes?

Pamela

How are their backs doing? Good? Bad?

Allie Brown

How are they so strong? Did we breed that?

jamestown

Were donkeys domesticated or bred? Either way, what characteristics caught the eye of humans?

jamestown

Where can they now be found in world? What environments are they best suited for?

jamestown

Have donkeys been crossbred with any other animals?

YarnCon - Chicago's Indie Fiber Fair

Some neighbors of my parents have a zonkey, a donkey crossbred with a zebra. Will this animal be infertile, like a mule? Are all donkey crossbreeds sterile?

Jenna Congdon

What the heck is the difference between a donkey, a mule, a hinny, and a burro? I thought "burro" just meant "donkey" in Spanish??

Hannah Gorrie

I know they can be kept to defend against foxes and coyotes - I've then also experienced them try to stomp the baby goats they were protecting - do they indiscriminately hate small, furry critters?

Hannah Gorrie

And I assume Wild Assess are something different than donkeys and burros, but how??

Carri Miller

Why are they so commonly used (maybe over used) to transport goods in so many countries? Also - why are wily coyotes afraid of them?

Janet R.

What’s the difference between a donkey and mule? What is their relationship to horses? Evolutionary history?

Hannah Gorrie

Are the long ears for better hearing or maybe for heat dissipation? Can they sweat like humans and horses can or is that what the ears are for??

SoManyQuestions

Can they be solitary animals or are they better in groups? The farm next to me has two (I call them the burro brothers but unclear if either description is accurate) and now they’ve added another one. They usually take rescues was so our new friend sad and alone before this?

Tori Baggot

What is the evolutionary timeline for donkeys compared to horses? We're they domesticated around the same time?

Palytoxin Princess

Are donkeys sterile? Are mules sterile? What's the deal with breeding and making more donkeys?

Saxifrage Mura

Could you talk a little bit about using donkeys/mules as pack animals today? Particularly, I've worked for the US Forest Service where I was shocked to learn the tradition of using pack mules to do work in more remote areas is still alive and well. Is this also the case in other parts of the world, and how has their use by governments changed over time? (First time question asker!)

Abe Stebbing

Hi. Hello. Yes. I’m very excited about this episode. So, query #1) how much weight can one donkey pull? What about 2? There must be a synergistic effect…which leads me to my next question: 2) should I get donkeys to pull carts at our orchard? We use tractors to pull customers on hay wagons, but donkeys seem infinitely cooler. Also, We already have two small draught horses. Would they all get along? Ok. Thank you. Did I mention I was excited? I think that’s 4 questions. Maybe 5. Thanks! Abe from Vermont

Taylor Cwikla

(First time question asker! :) Recently fell in love with the book "Running with Sherman" and am now enchanted by both donkeys and the concept of burro racing. What are your thoughts on the sport?

Tapirtapirtapir16

Hello! I am so excited about this topic! I've been a long time listener but this is my first time asking a question. I've worked at a donkey rescue for 10+ years and trained a few BLM burros and they are absolutely some of the funnest critters. My question is: why do donkeys almost always shake their head around while their yawning or after they yawn? Their ears just flop all around and it's the cutest, silliest thing every time. Thank you!

leafygreenkale

do you think donkey from shrek is a good representation of donkeys if they could talk???

Dave Miller, PhD

There is a popular social media post that shows a donkey who escaped from a farm and is now happily living with a herd of elk. What is it about the donkey that would allow the elk to say “sure dude come chill with us”?

Bahdi_Phat

How likely is it that Jesus actually rode a donkey? It probably wasn't a "Jesus donkey", but could it have been?

Dave Langlinais

Ooh, good follow-up question, @Hannah Gorrie!

Sonjabird

Are donkeys happy in captivity? Do they need to be “broken” like horses do (makes me cringe!)?

Sam Acker

(pronounced acre) Why do people breed mules? If mules can't make more mules themselves I get that someone has to, but why not just have donkeys and/or horses?

BENJAMIN

Are there lots of cultures throughout the world that have used donkeys historically? Or in the far past, were they domesticated in one place but then with trade and travel became popular elsewhere?

Sam Acker

(pronounced acre) My mom's favorite song of all time is Beast of Burden by the Rolling Stones. Has the ologist heard it? What are their thoughts on donkeys/mules/hinnies being used as beasts of burden? Are there other donkey songs that sing their praises?

Lauren R

Donkeys as "guardians" for other livestock. Is this a real thing? I've seen them in fields with goats & other smaller animals.

Lauren R

What are the best ways to socialize donkeys with Livestock Guardian Dogs & vice versa? I.e., how does one help dogs & donkeys make friends (or at least tolerate each other)?

Fi Cameron

How do they make the noises they make? Are donkey throats built different?

2 midwestern lesbians

FTQA, lifelong horse girl: it’s unfortunately common for horses to be trained using misapplied negative reinforcement that often muddles into positive punishment. How does a donkeys temperament and trainability differ from horses? I utilize a lot of positive reinforcement with horses and can only ASSume it would be just as easy to apply with a donkey, but I’m curious if they’ve gotten such a reputation for being “stubborn” because they aren’t as quick to shut down as a horse OR do they shut down and get labeled that way because people suck at understanding equine behavior? Thank you SO much! Love, Shan (BS in Animal Behavior) from Ohio

Blair Henry

FTQA. I have heard that donkeys have proportionally the biggest dick in the mammal kingdom. While living in Botswana people often stated as they were about to leave a party “time to hit the road like a donkeys dick.” They tried to set up a business in Botswana to export donkey sausage. Do many countries eat donkey?

Lauren R

Also my brother, Zach, wants to know: For small, tight-budgeted farms & homesteads, what are some of the better less expensive & time-intensive ways to ensure your equine friend enjoys a happy, well stimulated & socialized life?

Yuri

they have tiny horses, and tiny goats. Are there tiny donkeys? Tiny horses can be used as service animals that live much longer than dogs. Could donkeys be trained to be service animals? What do they smell like? Can you do anything with their hair/fur like you can with sheep or goats? (Yuri - beauty without the b)

Ashley Marrs

It seems like donkeys have a greater need for play than horses. What are their favorite enrichment items that might keep them from accidentally playing too hard with behbeh goat kids ; )

Amy

We always talk about how smart pigs are, are donkeys as smart as pgs? Can they open gates? Do they remember people?

Lauren Wayson

First time question asker over here. What is the difference between donkeys, asses, and mules?

Julia Hutton

Have you heard of the Pack Burro Races in Leadville, CO? We're into all sorts of wild racing sports up here at 10,000ft.... 100 mile bike, 100 mile run, and the most difficult of all: 21 Miles Running with a Burro.

Deli Dames

Is the portrayal in Shrek accurate?

CurtisDawg

What up with donkey personalities? Do they tend to be like Donkey in Shrek - talkative, funny, outgoing, or like EEyore - sad and forever pessimistic?

Bit of bitter butter

FTQA - I read that mules were bred to combine the best traits of horses and donkeys (I believe it was stuff like large size, hardiness, etc?) – is that necessary when we have huge donkey lads like the baudet du Poitou? Speaking of the baudet du poitou breed, why’re they so wonderfully shaggy and raggy? Do you think there is potentially an untapped market for donkey yarn from their luscious locks?

Bit of bitter butter

Also read that donkeys have a higher sense of self preservation than a horse and that’s why they might be seen as “stubborn”…does that just mean horses are a little dumber? (Sorry horses - from a former horse girl!)

CurtisDawg

Will any of this change they way we eat burritos (little donkeys)?

CurtisDawg

Donkeys - Burros - Mules - Asses - oh my! What's the difference? Am I missing anything?

Madeliene Fox

2nd time questioner--- I have been told donkeys are used to protect herds of horses,cattle etc and they are super loyal. My question is, do they show high emotional intelligence and do they have high cognitive memory ?

Madeliene Fox

What is the most common death of a equine such as donkey, mule, burros and asses? Is it disease, old age, predators?

Madeliene Fox

OH since Eeyore is a donkey do donkeys tend to be depressed animals? ( silly question)

Eating dog hair for a living

Have you seen the donkey on YouTube that loves the squeaky chicken toys?? Omg so worth the view!

redheadedscientist

When I was younger, I went to a camp where we did horseback riding. There was a little donkey kept with the horses (his name was Benjamin) and he was devastated that the horses got to have riders but he was too small. He would try to run with the horses and he loved attention1 My question is what type of emotional bonds do donkeys form with humans and other animals? Is this comparable to the bond between horse & rider?

Keegan Newman

Do donkeys or mules benefit from horseshoes? Also can they tell directions well? Like how to navigate back home, or common places they go to. What’re they like in the wild? Thanks!!

Urban Nature Walk

How different are domestic donkeys from their wild ass ancestors?

Lindsay Chey

Hi! Is the idea that donkeys are stubborn a myth, or are they just really smart and people mistake that for attitude? I've always dreamed of living in the woods with rescued dogs and donkeys. Unfortunately, during a visit to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, I was told donkeys instinctively attack canines, and thus cannot tolerate dogs. However, Dog Tales Rescue in King City, Ontario, rescues both dogs and donkeys. Is there any chance of making my dream a reality? Thank you!

Hannah Johnson

Oh interesting! So a farmer probably intentionally put a donkey with the sheep?

Gina H

Why ass? :(

Ashton McCall

How common are donkeys compared to horses or mules?

Tyler

I have a memory from when I was a teen floating down a river in inner tubes with my dad, we floated past some land with one donkey on it and as we passed my dad made a donkey sound at them, and the donkey replied with its own donkey sounds. How social are donkeys as creatures? I got the impression from that exchange that they are quite social creatures

Melody B

Why bother breeding a donkey with a horse if the resulting mule or hinny is almost always sterile? What’s the benefit?

Flora

Are mules always bred by people or does the crossbreed happen in the wild too?

Nick A

^^ Literally this question. Like what's the connection between donkeys and butts? Which one took the term first? Why did it get applied to the other?

Pacheco_Joe

Are donkeys happy to carry stuff for us on a hike? And if so, how much is too much?

EldaV

FTQA, is there any real evidence that shows that Donkeys are stronger (can carry more load) than horses or is it just that people keep loading more on the donkey because they couldn’t complain? I feel there overexplotation sometimes on the poor donkeys

Maddy

Donkeys and I think goats have horizontal pupils? They’re like rectangular? Why???

The Other Maya

Yooooah! I just fell down a Wiki hole, if it please the Ologist: I'm seeing a lot of questions about mule fertility and I'd like to ask specifically about Texas A&M's mule "Old Bec"?? Apparently a fertile mule that threw a few genetic horses??? One that had mule characteristics in appearance but genetically was a horse???? Personal curiosity: my family adopted a retired broodmare named Bunny who looked like a mule (dark bay, huge floppy ears) but was fertile and threw only grey foals. She'd had 2 previous owners and everyone apparently thought she was a mule until she started getting knocked up. She I think had 5 pregnancies, 5 live births, all grey. Is it possible that Bunny actually was mule!? Or, the offspring of a fertile mule who carried mule-like traits!? Wow! What!?

El Pete

I know I'm late but....I once watched a burro in Death Valley take a big bite out of a pineapple cactus, chew it up and deftly spit out the spines intact. Are their mouths especially tough, or are they just that talented?

Lauren R

One more from my homesteading-hopeful brother, Zach: Any resources for helping to understand & shape donkey behavior, both for foals &/or rescued donkeys?

The Other Maya

Apologies, I'm conflating 2 Wikipedia examples in the name "Old Bec" but the question remains the same.

Matt Schmidt

When was the last common ancestor between donkeys and horses?

2 midwestern lesbians

FTQA, how (if at all) does a donkeys digestive system differ from a horse? Do they also need to go to the emergency room for a tummy ache or were they more evolutionarily fortunate?

TresBurras

First time question asker: I’m SO glad you picked donkeys!! 👏🏻 I know from first-hand experience that donkeys learn from each other. Has there been much research into donkey (ass, zebra) learning?

Dulcie Meatheringham

How’d mini-donkeys come to be? Were they specially bred for a purpose, or just because they are adorable?

Duncan Koblas

running ultra marathons with donkeys! Whaaat?? Is it much easier for the donkeys or the people in those races?

also_ally

I need an explanation for the video of that one donkey that carried a baby goat in its mouth. Pls convince me that this isn’t ASShole behavior 🙃

Melissa Quinn

What the flip is up with their weirdly variable gestation period? Is it a feature or a bug?

Melissa Quinn

I have another question: As a donkey person, when you hear the word "ass" in an ambiguous context, is your first thought of an equine? Or a butt? Like, when you hear "toes in the water, ass in the sand" do you picture hanging out at the beach with a happy little donkey?

Deli Dames

Why are mules and hinnies sterile?

Hobbes

FTQA Why is it an insult to be called a donkey? Because.. aren't they actually pretty badASS?

Eric Gidseg

How do donkeys compare to horses in their

Izalina Bittencourt

Why do they sound like that?? I feel like a donkey's "hee-haw" is so different from other equine noises

Olivia Lester

What's up with the "ass" lore/connotation? Why do they wiggle lips side to side? Are there indeginous donkeys in the U.S.? How do I know if a product has ejiao (donkey glue) in it?

Mikayla Humiston

Why have people historically hated on donkeys? :(

Mamabee & DadAussie

I'd love to hear about donkeys emotional worlds, their social connections with other donkeys, but also humans and other species.

Liz Smith

Is the story of Balam from the Bible have some kind historical truth? I was told the Jewish interpretation was that the issue was the protagonist was actually engaging in colitis with his “ass”. This is an ancient disturbing story that I’ve hated and never understood. Was it a common practice in some areas to engage with one’s animal and specifically a donkey in this way?

Abby Sellers

What did coyotes do to incur the donkeys’ wrath? Is it an innate hatred of all canids or is it coyote specific? Or, are donkeys just that protective of their “herd” (like species or otherwise)? TYSM!!!

Rebecca Bell

I listen to way too much folk music, so when I think of donkeys the first thing that comes to mind is the song "Darcy's Donkey" by Gaelic Storm...could a donkey actually get drunk enough win a horse race? (Every body raise a glass to Darcy's ass!)

Cascade

Why are they called asses? Why are they stereotypically stupid? Is there a deep cultural significance to them being associated with idiocy? Or did someone just make it up one day? Did people ever eat them? Do they taste good? How do they show affection?

Iris Mendell

Why are Donkey personalities so quirky and different than other equids?

Lichen

Do donkeys like forehead kisses and ear strokes?

ChickenChomper

How are donkeys related to horses, mini horses, and other ungulates? Were their ancestors just mini munchers? Or did we breed them to be small? And if so why? So small children can ride them around in little circles for fun?

ChickenChomper

Also, has she ever ridden one of the Grand Canyon donkeys?

bluebadger

OMG I EFFING LOVE DONKEYS SO MUCH. They are the best. I recently saw an article saying researchers have discovered that their skin secrets a substance that repels ticks and that it may be useful in developing a nontoxic repellent. Is this a thing, and is there a way to develop this without HARMING donkeys?? Also, everyone should know about the live donkey webcams available for the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth in the UK and support their work. Also, the genocide in Gaza is a disgusting crime against humanity for its human impact, but every picture I see of a donkey pulling a cart of people there makes me (a) grateful for these gentle companions, and (b) heartbroken and enraged for them as well as their people. Can you talk about the role donkeys and mules have played in human wars and how response efforts can include their wellbeing?

Bob in Oregon

FTQA: please ask about donkey cheese! That is all.

Kristyn Remme

LOVE THIS, THANK YOU. And an extra big thanks for bringing a very important & relevant topic to the forefront in such an thought-provoking way 🇵🇸🕊️

Kristyn Remme

I’ve had a similar experience with cows 😂

Kristyn Remme

I was going to bring this up too!!! So dang cute

Kait

Can the ologist speak to the symbolism of donkeys over the years? I read a really striking poem by a Palestinian writer that used this image. Also thinking of symbolism I. American politics

Kait

Can you speak about the Mongolian khulan and if there’s any relation to Mongolian wild horses, the takhi? Thinking of evolution and conservation or whatever connections you think are relèvent! Thanks!!

Kait

I grew up in a former coal mining town and learned that donkeys were often used in labor in the mines. Thinking of that and the range of habitats where they work, what is it about donkeys that makes them so adaptable to extreme conditions?

Kait

Omg I neeeeed to know

Devon

Are Donkeys used as food in any cultures?

Wendy Miller

Same question. What allows horses and donkeys to have offspring but offspring ends up sterile? Any other animal combos have this offspring sterility feature?

Jill Burnham

Hey Bob, I'm a FTQA with the same question. Cheers!

Jennifer Kratzer

Have you heard of the Kona Nightingales? What do you know about their disappearance?

Becky Stenberg

Eagerly awaiting the donkey podcast!

Fernando López Haro

Donkeys are such an underappreciated species!! Thank you for bringing them into the limelight! Did they evolve those long ears as a means of thermal regulation?

Pooja

Growing up, my mom always said “Pooja, you can either be a donkey or a horse and the choice is always yours”. Tbh I don’t really mind being a donkey. What exactly is the difference between the two? Why are donkeys derided but horses celebrated?

Mickey

Not sure this really requires a donkey expert, but: Did everyone but me always know that Eeyore is a baby donkey? A few years back I was watching baby donkeys romp around and the truth hit me like a bolt of lightning

Amanda Lask

Do donkeys really make the "hee-haw" sound?

Abigail Joseph

Differences in full-size vs. mini-donkeys? (we had one named Heineken growing up)

Lorelei

I like this question! May I add to this, what are, if any, the donkey sounds in different languages? Like how a rooster call is different in different countries - do donkeys have different translation for different languages?

Olivia K

Simple and dumb question- why is it called a donkey? (Ooops double question but) Does the expert like donkey from Shrek?

Alexa Pennel

Is it true they can protect a herd of horses from coyotes smaller predators?

Lexa Paulsson

Can donkeys really reproduce with horses? Or are they some sort of horse?

Lexa Paulsson

I recently learned about donkeys protecting herds of sheep (I think, maybe something else) and there was a regulation put in place to ban it because it wasn't allowed to just have 1 donkey. It's a solo donkey that vulnerable or lonely to require them to be in groups?

Amy Arugula

Tell me about donkey fur! I'm always surprised by how soft it is. Why so much fluffier than horses?

Myra Poundstone

How long ago did donkeys split from their common ancestor with horses? What was that ancestor, and where did it live? Were donkeys or horses used first for labour by humans?

MurderBirder

Is it really true that Burros dig wells that support huge amounts of wildlife in deserts?

Randy

So donkey cheese, is it a gimmick or manna?

Hezy Anholt

But why are they such asshats?

SVGD

I heard somewhere that, like cats, donkeys' resting heart rates can benefit human health. Is it FLIMFLAM?

Emily Akin

I was once bucked off a donkey when I was 11 and I feel that it was my fault because he was a quirky, sassy individual and I was an annoying youngin just trying to ride a the thing that wanted to make waffles in Shrek.

Ann Eby

Are there other species that have this weird non reproductive thing going on?

Feylin

New Patreon and first time question asker - I had the pleasure of walking a donkey in a Christmas parade - and luckily I remembered when crossing shadows or other lines on the ground to hold my donkey’s head high so it wouldn’t spook and refuse to cross. What is going on? Is it is vision thing? Why do they panic and refuse to cross dark spots?

Hannah

Why do they get such a bad rap? Like when did “ass” become an insult? They seem lovely.

Yvonne

Eagerly awaiting this release! Do you have an estimation?