Fun Donkey Facts for Kids

Donkeys come from Africa and the Middle East, where they were tamed more than 5,000 years ago. These slow animals are used today as work animals in poor countries. They carry materials, plow fields and draw up water. Donkeys are related to horses and zebras, but they have much longer ears than either one. They’re also usually smaller than horses.

Donkey Grazing Grass Image - Science for Kids All About Donkeys — Donkeys are related to horses and zebras, but they have much longer ears than either one. Read more here all about donkeys.

Donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn. They are more cautious than horses. If a situation seems unsafe, they dig in their heels and won’t move. Owners must patiently work to gain a donkey’s trust.

Donkeys Carrying Hay Image — These slow animals are used today as work animals in poor countries. They carry materials, plow fields and draw up water.

Fun Facts about Donkeys for Kids

China has more donkeys than any other country in the world.
In the U.S., donkeys are kept as pets or to breed mules.
A mule is a cross between a donkey and a horse. Mules are very strong, but bigger than a donkey.
A boy donkey is called a jack. A girl donkey is called a jenny.
Donkeys make a loud braying noise that goes on for several seconds.
Donkeys are sometimes called burros.
There are wild donkeys in Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Mississippi.