7 facts about donkeys that will make you respect this animal
For centuries, people have been prejudiced against donkeys. In almost all nations familiar with this animal, the donkey is the personification of stubbornness and stupidity. Yes, donkeys are not the most obedient pets, but they are far from stupid. They have many qualities that cannot but inspire respect.
Due to the obstinate nature of some individuals, donkeys have been labeled a stupid animal. But studies have shown that donkeys can be considered the true intellectuals of the animal kingdom. They can independently find a way out of difficult situations in which a horse and even a dog are confused. And scientists have found that donkeys have a peculiar sense of humor. Some may even troll their masters, bringing them to a nervous breakdown.
The age of large domestic animals is not too long. Cows live about 20 years, horses 25-30. Against their background, donkeys look like real centenarians. They live 45-50 years, and sometimes more. Donkey Lusya, who starred in Leonid Gaidai's comedy "Prisoner of the Caucasus" and several other popular films, died of old age at the age of 61. It is worth adding that donkeys, unlike other domestic animals, maintain high performance even in old age.
Human-trained racehorses can reach speeds of 50-65 km/h over short distances. It seemed that donkeys with a massive body and short legs could compete with them. But donkeys are not only not inferior to horses in speed, but often surpass them. There are cases when donkeys accelerated to 75 km / h! True, due to the structural features of the animal's body, the rider is unlikely to enjoy such a jump. Ride is not a strong point of donkeys.
Big donkey ears are not just part of his image. Mother nature endowed these animals with subtle hearing. But this is not the only advantage. It turns out that donkeys are able to suppress extraneous noise and random sounds. They perceive only important sound information that helps them survive, or interact with their brethren or the owner.
Outwardly unsightly donkeys are real champions in endurance. It is because of this quality that they are so highly valued in deserts and highlands. The donkey can move loads, the weight of which is 2/3 of its body weight. The donkey itself weighs from 80 to 400 kg. The animal can walk with a load over rough terrain without stopping for rest, food and water for 10-12 hours. Therefore, in some regions with harsh conditions, it remains the main mode of transport.
Donkeys are southern animals and do not tolerate cold and damp. But they feel great at high temperatures. The donkey does not care about the heat of 40-50 degrees, unless, of course, he is healthy. That is why these animals, along with camels, are so in demand in Central and Central Asia and North Africa.
In some countries, donkey meat is eaten. But not where the main religion is Islam. In the text of the Qur'an (62:5), the donkey is mentioned as an animal carrying sacred books on its back. The Sunnahs forbid eating the meat of domestic donkeys, but they do allow the eating of wild donkeys and horses.