Donkeys in general
Donkeys come in all shapes, sizes, colors and coat texture. The donkey's ancestors were wild asses from Africa and Asia. The African branches of the breed were found between the Mediterranean coast and the Sahara Desert to the south of the Red Sea. There were two separate African donkeys: the Nubian wild ass and the Somali wild ass. The Asiatic ass came from an area stretching from the Red Sea to India and Tibet where they were required to adapt to different climates, terrains and altitudes. Unfortunately, many of these original breeds are now extinct.
Donkeys were among the draught animals used to carry silk from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean along the 'Silk Road' in return for trade goods. In Greece donkeys were found to be ideal animals for working on the narrow paths between the vines. Their use for cultivation in vineyards spread through the Mediterranean countries to Spain. The Romans used donkeys in their new vineyards, some planted as far north as France and Germany and as pack animals for their armies. Spanish explorers during the 1600s brought many standard donkeys to the Americas as pack animals. And George Washington is reputed to have owned the first donkeys born in the United States.
Donkeys are used today as guard animals for goats and sheep and cattle against the threat of coyote attack. Donkeys can live for 25 to 35 years, Jennies, female donkeys, are pregnant for one full year and usually give birth to one live foal. Donkeys can carry 30% of their own body weight. They have a wonderful and gentle temperament.