Originally found in Northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula donkeys have been domesticated and are now spread throughout the world.
The Spanish word for donkey is burro. Donkeys were first brought to America by the Spaniards in the 1500’s as a vital part of the workforce and as companions to the pioneers of the West. Herds of wild asses are generally made up of one male and several females. Larger herds have multiple males and females. Donkeys were often used as pack animals by prospectors during the gold rush of the 1800’s. At the end of the mining era, the donkeys were set free or escaped and became feral. With their only natural predator being the panther they rapidly established herds and flourished. Because they can eat a large amount of the desert grasses they have a high impact on the native species, such as the bighorn sheep, and are considered to be an invasive species. One way to control the wild donkey population is through “Burro Adoption”. Our burros have been adopted from the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. This is one way that the Central Florida Zoo is helping conservation efforts.
Farmers often will place a donkey in herds of sheep, cows or goats to protect from coyotes or other predators. Donkeys can attack and drive off anything that they feel is a threat to “their” herd.
Brittany
Male donkeys are called “Jacks” and female donkeys are called “Jennies”.
Domesticated and now spread throughout the world
Wild donkeys are found in the dry, desert regions
Stand 3 to 4 feet at the shoulder and weigh 400 to 500 pounds
Donkeys are grazing herbivores
A natural predator is the panther
Will drive off anything that they feel is a threat to their herd
Can give birth to about one foal each year
Common
25-30 years in the wild and up to 50 years in human care
