How tall are donkeys

Jacks males can be fertile at 1 year of age. With lifelong proper care, donkeys can live well into their 30s with the average life span being 33 years. Jennets can produce foals into their early 20s. The average life span of a wild donkey is 25 to 30 years. Any donkey regardless of size or color is Equus asinu s. They are also called asses. Domesticated donkeys in the United States are not grouped by breed, but by type.

The donkey was first domesticated about six thousand years ago. Egyptian tombs of Dynasty IV ca. In ancient Egypt, female donkeys were kept as dairy animals because donkey milk is higher in sugar and protein than cow's milk. Many people also ate donkey meat as part of their diet. Today, miniature donkeys are very popular as companion animals and for show. Many of the wild donkeys in the southwestern United States are descendants of escaped or abandoned burros brought by Mexican explorers during the Gold Rush.

Throughout history, donkeys have been used as "beasts of burden. George has a white coat with gray spots and a floppy mane. Giuseppe has a brown coat and a white muzzle. Skip to main content. Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo, regardless of their vaccination status.

Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to wear a mask in outdoor areas. Kids' Farm. Miniature donkey. Animals Animals A-Z Miniature donkey. Share this page:. Fact sheet Conservation Meet the Animals Physical Description Donkeys differ from horses in shape and are characterized by their large head, long ears and cow-like tail.

Size Unlike many other miniature breeds such as toy poodles , the miniature donkey is not a bred-down version of a larger donkey. Communication Donkeys communicate by braying, a sound also known as a "hee-haw.

Social Structure The major attraction to miniature donkeys, for humans, is their docile personalities. Reproduction and Development Jennets females can become fertile at one year of age, but should not be bred until they are 2. Lifespan With lifelong proper care, donkeys can live well into their 30s with the average life span being 33 years. Help this Species Share the story of this animal with others.

In France, hobby breeders are also helping to reestablish the Cotentin donkey, who once transported milk from dairies. Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications.

By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. The small standard ranges between 36 and 40 inches high at the withers. The standard donkey stand between 40 and 48 inches tall.

The large standard ranges between 48 and 54 inches for jennies, and 48 and 56 inches for jacks. References Donkey Breeds in Europe.

Gypsy Horse Facts. The offspring are hybrids of the two types of Equidae. A jack and a female horse mating produces an animal called a mule, while a jenny and a male horse produce a hinny, according to the University of Miami.

A mating between a zebra and a donkey produces what is called a zebroid, zonkey or zeedonk. Hybrids are almost always sterile and cannot produce offspring.

Donkeys have a gestation period of around 12 months. Baby donkeys are called foals. Foals weigh between 19 and 30 lbs. At 5 months, foals are weaned and at 2 years they are old enough to mate. Females tend to give birth to a new foal each year. Equus asinus — burro, donkey, ass Equus hemippus — Syrian wild ass, achdari Equus khur — Indian wild ass, khur Equus africanus — African wild ass. While domestic donkeys are in no threat of being endangered, the same cannot be said for wild asses.

Asiatic wild asses are classified as near threatened, with a population of around 28, When horses are scared they often will jump or bolt. When asses are scared they will freeze and investigate whatever scared them, which has given them the reputation of being stubborn. Typically, though, donkeys are very obedient.

Asses usually have a dark stripe of fur down their backs and across their shoulders and can be born with a wide range of colors.