Domestic donkey

© Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH/Alam

Domestic donkey

Donkeys were domesticated around 7,000 years ago in Africa and now these can be found all over the world. They've carried the load for humans for more than 7,000 years, so let's give them some love. More than 40 million donkeys do the heavy lifting around the world today, with 11 million in China alone. Donkeys usually devour oats, barley, and straw. They weigh around 400 to 500 pounds and live approximately for 20 to 30 years and up to 40 years under human care. They are naturally gifted with excellent memory and are very smart. Their large ears help them adjust body temperature resulting in keeping their body cool in hot conditions.