Also known as an
ass or a
burro (spanish), the donkey is a relative of the
horse. Donkeys, horses, and
zebras are all part of the
Equus genus. Compared to horses, donkeys are smaller and have larger ears. They also have one fewer
lumbar vertebrae, a tufted tail rather than a flowing tail and no forelocks on the mane.
Donkeys are commonly used as pack and work animals. Their natural instinct is to freeze, rather than to flee like a horse. Additionally, they naturally attack canines, so they are often used to protect herds of sheep and goats from coyotes and wolves. It is believed they were domesticated around 4500 years ago.
Donkeys can be crossbred with both horses and zebras. The offspring of a male donkey and a female horse is known as a mule and the less common offspring of a male horse and a female donkey is called a hinny. Donkey/zebra crosses are called zebrasses or zonkeys.