Understanding Donkeys – Why They’re Not Just Small Horses
In this insightful webinar, Dr Jo Hockenhull, Head of Research at The Donkey Sanctuary, explores what makes donkeys unique and why they deserve to be understood as a species in their own right, not simply as small, long-eared horses.
Drawing on her research and real-world experience, Dr Hockenhull discusses the evolution, behaviour, and welfare needs of donkeys, and how misunderstanding these differences can lead to serious management and health issues. From diet and shelter to social bonds and pain recognition, she highlights practical ways to improve donkey care and wellbeing both in the UK and globally.
Learn more about:
- The evolutionary history and natural behaviour of donkeys
- Key welfare differences between donkeys and horses
- Common health challenges, including obesity, laminitis, and hyperlipemia
- The importance of companionship, mental stimulation, and proper shelter
- How to recognise subtle signs of pain or distress
This is essential viewing for anyone who owns, cares for, or works with donkeys — or simply wants to better understand these remarkable animals.
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is a global charity dedicated to transforming the lives of donkeys and mules through rescue, care, research, and advocacy. Founded in 1969, it provides lifelong sanctuary to animals in need while working with communities worldwide to promote better welfare standards, education, and sustainable livelihoods. From hands-on veterinary care to influencing policy change, their mission is to ensure every donkey is valued and treated with kindness.
Learn more at thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk or donate to support their work.
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Transcription
Here is a transcription of the webinar. (Please note this is an automated transcription, so we apologise for any errors.)
Hello, I’m Dr Jo Hockenhull, Head of Research at The Donkey Sanctuary. My research team looks at the health and welfare of donkeys in our sanctuaries around the world. We also support international projects and advocacy work, such as the Skin Trade campaign.
Today, I want to talk about why donkeys are different to horses — something that’s very close to my heart. My background is in equine research, but since joining The Donkey Sanctuary two years ago, donkeys have truly stolen my heart.
Donkeys: Not Just Small Horses
One thing donkeys are not is horses with big ears. Historically, donkeys have been compared to horses, which hasn’t done them many favours. They’ve played important roles in human civilisation for thousands of years — in transport, agriculture, construction, and companionship — yet they’re often overlooked or misunderstood.
Donkeys were domesticated around 7,000 years ago, a thousand years before horses. They’ve been critical to human survival across continents, from Africa to Asia and beyond. When their working roles ended, they were often released, leading to large feral populations, such as those in Australia. In some regions, they’re valued and respected; in others, they’re viewed as pests.
There are over 100 recognised donkey breeds worldwide, which surprised me when I first started this job. Crossbreeding with horses produces mules and hinnies — generally sterile because horses and donkeys have different numbers of chromosomes. Mules in particular are highly valued for their strength, resilience, and stamina.
Cultural Perceptions
Donkeys’ reputations vary across cultures. In Christianity, they’re symbols of patience and humility. In ancient Rome and Greece, the same traits were seen as stupidity. Historically, donkeys have been associated with poorer communities and women, leading to a lasting perception of them as low-status animals.
This has consequences. In many parts of the world, donkeys are vital to human survival, yet they’re often invisible — left out of welfare policy, disaster relief, and agricultural planning. At The Donkey Sanctuary, we’re working to change that and ensure donkeys are recognised for their true value.
Lack of Research and Data
Because of their lower status, most equine research has focused on horses. As a result, we often apply horse-based findings to donkeys, which isn’t appropriate. They are a distinct species with unique needs. We also lack reliable population data — even in the UK, we don’t know how many donkeys there are. This makes welfare monitoring difficult.
Globally, donkeys are most numerous in Africa, especially in East Africa. However, data collection is patchy. What’s clear is that donkeys play essential roles — from carrying bricks and providing transport to being used for milk production.
The Skin Trade Crisis
The biggest current threat to global donkey populations is the skin trade. Donkeys are slaughtered for their skins to produce “ejiao”, a traditional Chinese medicine made from collagen. As China’s donkey population has declined, the trade has spread internationally, particularly across Africa. Donkeys are often stolen, transported in poor conditions, and killed illegally. This trade not only devastates donkey populations but also harms human livelihoods.
Understanding Donkey Biology and Behaviour
Donkeys descend from the African wild ass and evolved in dry, harsh environments. They’re used to sparse vegetation, limited water, and extreme temperatures. Unlike horses, which evolved on open plains and tend to flee from threats, donkeys are more likely to stand their ground and assess a situation.
Their social structures are smaller and more resource-dependent. Males and females guard access to water and food. Domestically, however, donkeys are highly social and form strong pair bonds. Losing a bonded companion can have serious welfare consequences, including refusal to eat and depression.
Their behavioural cues are subtle — much more so than horses’. This has led to the mistaken belief that donkeys are stubborn or unfeeling. In truth, they think carefully before reacting, and they’re highly intelligent animals.
Management and Welfare in the UK
Many welfare issues stem from treating donkeys like small horses. Donkeys evolved to survive on very little; when kept on lush UK pasture, they’re prone to obesity and laminitis. They’re extremely efficient at processing fibre and need a low-calorie, high-fibre diet — straw is ideal, with hay or grass only in limited amounts.
Access to browse (shrubs, bark, hedges) is essential, as is fresh, clean water. Although donkeys can tolerate drought, they still need water available at all times.
Donkeys also need shelter — their coats are not waterproof, and they struggle in wet, cold, or windy weather. Unlike horses, they actively seek shelter in poor conditions.
Their hooves are smaller, more upright, and more porous than horses’, making them prone to problems in wet environments. They need regular trimming by a farrier experienced with donkeys, and access to dry, hard standing to prevent hoof issues.
Companionship and Enrichment
Donkeys should always be kept with other donkeys. Using them as guard animals for livestock is not recommended; they may attack other species, including dogs. Donkeys are social, playful, and intelligent — they need mental stimulation and variety in their environment. The Donkey Sanctuary provides a range of enrichment resources for owners and professionals.
Common Health Concerns
The main health issues we see include obesity, laminitis, hyperlipemia (especially following stress or loss of a companion), ulcers, and dental disease. Dental checks are often neglected, yet vital for welfare.
Donkeys can live into their 40s with good care, but their subtle pain signals mean owners must monitor behaviour closely. They may “sham eat” to hide discomfort, so knowing what’s normal for each individual is crucial. Validated donkey pain scales now exist, similar to horse grimace scales, focusing on facial tension and ear position.
End of Life and Bereavement
Donkeys grieve deeply when they lose a bonded companion. It’s important that the surviving donkey is allowed to see the body of the deceased to help them understand the loss. Afterwards, close monitoring is essential to ensure they continue eating and interacting. Donkeys should never be left alone long-term.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the donkey’s origins, behaviour, and unique needs is essential for good welfare. They may share some similarities with horses, but they are very different animals in physiology, psychology, and social needs.
If you’d like to learn more, The Donkey Sanctuary website has extensive resources and advice for owners, vets, and farriers. The Donkey Sanctuary Advice Centre is also available to support anyone caring for donkeys.
