Donkey 23cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
The donkey is a domesticated member of the horse family, and the wild ancestor of the donkey is the African Wild Ass. Donkeys vary considerably in size, depending on breed and management. Most domestic donkeys range from 0.9 to over 1.4 m tall. Donkeys in the wild can defend themselves with a powerful kick of their hind legs as well as by biting and striking with their front feet. Their longer ears may pick up more distant sounds, and may help cool the donkey's blood. They are very strong and can easily carry up to 30% of their body weight, making them very useful pack animals.

Habitat
Donkeys are adapted to live in marginal desert lands.

Behaviour
Wild donkeys live separated from each other. Donkeys have developed very loud vocalizations, which help keep in contact with other donkeys over the wide spaces of the desert. The best-known call is referred to a "bray," which can be heard for over three kilometers. Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness but in fact this is more due to their great sense of self-preservation. Donkeys are quite intelligent, cautious, friendly, playful, and eager to learn, and are often used to calm nervous horses.

Breeding
Jennies are pregnant for approximately 12 months, though the gestational period can vary from 11 to almost 14 months and usually give birth to one foal.

Diet
Donkeys eat grass, hay and grain. Donkeys' tough digestive system can break down near-inedible vegetation and extract moisture from food very efficiently.

Strange and Interesting Facts
A male donkey is called a jack and a female donkey is called a jenny!