GENERAL INFORMATION

The donkey was domesticated long before the horse.  The ancestry of the modern domestic donkey lies in three African wild asses, the Nubian, Somali, and North African.  Hybridization between the Nubian and Somali also resulted in today’s domestic donkey.  There are three breeds of donkey recognized by North American registries; the Miniature, Standard, and Large Standard.

DESCRIPTION

The Sicilian donkey is a miniature breed of domestic donkey, standing only 28-38 inches tall at the withers.  They usually weigh between 250 and 450 pounds.  The most common color is gray, but they can range from black, brown, chestnut, white, or spotted.  The Sicilian breed is noted for a cross-shaped marking along the back beginning at the base of the neck.  Legend says that Jesus rode a Sicilian donkey and that is the reason for the cross-shaped marking.

NATURAL HISTORY

Domestic donkeys have retained a lot of the aggression of the wild ancestors.  If a group of donkeys is attacked, they will form a circle and fight the predator with their hooves.  However the Sicilian donkey is known for its sweet, affectionate disposition.  Donkeys are very social creatures and need the company of other donkeys or animals.  Contrary to popular opinion, donkeys are not dumb animals.  They are actually very clever but can often be stubborn.  Donkeys are highly resistant to disease and remain healthy even into old age which can be as much as forty years and over.  They are probably the easiest domestic animals to maintain, requiring little food in  relation to the amount of work they do.

HISTORY

The Nubian wild ass was domesticated in the Nile Valley around 4000 B.C.  Domestication in Arabia and southern Africa took place sometime later.  In areas where Somali and Nubians both occurred, hybridization between the two resulted in what later became the domestic donkey.  The ass was introduced in Europe and in Greece around 2000 B.C. from Syria and Africa.  The ancient Romans valued donkeys and even used them as sacrificial animals.  The Spanish brought donkeys to South America in the 16th century where they became rugged work animals in the Andes of Peru and Chile.  

    Donkeys were used more commonly as work animals in the past than today.  People used them for transportation, to pull wagons, and as pack animals.  The donkey became popular because of its few needs, its cautiousness, and bravery.  Sicilian donkeys are considered to be docile and intelligent animals.  They are becoming very popular in the United States.  Besides being good companions to people, donkeys can be good company for other domestic animals. They can be used to protect sheep, goats, and alpacas from wild dogs and are often used in rehabilitation work with disabled children.

MEET OUR SICILIAN DONKEYS

The Nature Center has two Sicilian donkeys, both males. One is named Eeyore; the other is Willie.  Both Eeyore and Willie were born in 2001 and came from two different Weaverville farms.  They live at the Educational Farm and eat a diet consisting of hay, sweet feed, and grass, with occasional treats such as apple slices and bananas.

INFORMATION LINKS

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
(919)542-5704  www.albc-usa.org

American Donkey and Mule Society
(972)219-0781  www.lovelongears.com