Our two donkey friends are Max and Paddy. This pair are loved by staff and visitors alike, due to their gentle nature. They can be found in their paddock, nibbling grass and hee-hawing to any passers-by!
Donkey Facts:
- A male donkey is called a jack, while a female donkey is referred to as either a jenny or a jennet
- Baby donkeys are called foals, with male foals also being referred to as colts
- Donkeys have an exceptional sense of smell
- They have great memories and are highly intelligent animals
- World Donkey Day is celebrated on May 8th
- Donkeys are social animals who will form lifelong bonds with other donkeys
- If donkeys bond with other animals, they will protect them, so donkeys can be trained to protect livestock
- Donkeys are actually more closely related to zebras than horses
- The noise made by a donkey is called a bray
- Donkeys only sleep about 4-5 hours per day
- A donkey’s long ears help them regulate their body temperature
- Donkeys typically live 25-30 years, but have been known to live well into their 50s
- As donkeys originate from warmer climates, their coats do not have a natural build up of oil, meaning a donkey’s coat is not waterproof
