BOOK A DONKEY WALK AT SLIEVE AUGHTY CENTRE
Meet our donkeys John Willy and Hero, father, and son. They are small donkeys, trained here at the centre and quiet and safe.
Donkeys are not native to Ireland, arriving relatively recently in the 1600’s.
The earliest known reference to donkeys in Ireland is from 642, when a single donkey was taken in the capture of Maynooth castle.
Many donkeys were brought to Ireland during the Peninsular War, from 1808 to 1814, when there was demand for Irish horses, which the Irish traded for donkeys.
Donkeys were once commonly used throughout the Irish countryside. It is believed that the first use of donkeys in Ireland was by wealthy people who milked them, as it was believed that the milk of a donkey cured tuberculosis and gout and was good for the complexion.
Shortly after, they became common throughout the island as people realised how strong and useful they were, ploughing and carrying turf, seaweed, groceries, milk and more on their backs or on heavy carts.
For more on the history of the donkey in Ireland visit Donkeys in Ireland and Donkeys at Thistledown.
Donkeys originated in the African Desert and are a descendant of the African Wild Ass. The African Wild Ass is one of the most endangered animals in the world.
The Irish Donkey adapted to the colder, damper conditions by growing a thick, long coat, which sheds in the warmer months. They also remained fairly small – typically ranging from 36 inches to 44 inches at the shoulder.
The correct name for a female donkey is Jenny and the proper name for a male donkey is Jack.
Donkeys are very affectionate animals and enjoy the companionship of people. Donkeys need companions or they will become very depressed.
Donkeys can live for 25-35 years, although it is not unusual for a well-kept donkey to live to be 50.
A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size and can easily carry 30% of their body weight in live load and 20% in dead weight.
Donkeys have an incredible memory – they can recognise areas and other donkeys they were with up to 25 years ago.
Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness, however, they are not so much stubborn as they have a highly developed sense of self-preservation. It is difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something it sees as contrary to its own best interest or safety.
In the desert environment, a donkey can hear the call of another donkey 60 miles away, they have far larger ears than horses. Their large ears also help keep them cool.
The donkey is the oldest domesticated animal in the world.
Want to help donkeys in Ireland? Donate to the Donkey Sanctuary!
