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The domestic donkey descended from the African wild ass. Genetic studies suggest that it was domesticated in East Africa around 7,000 years ago. From there, it spread through Egypt and the Middle East to the whole world. Its origins in barren, dry landscapes explain many of its characteristics to this day – from its economical stomach to its loud bray.
The ancestor: the African wild ass
The African wild ass lives in dry, stony areas in the Horn of Africa. It is adapted to heat, little water and sparse food. Today, it is very rare in the wild and threatened with extinction. The Somali wild ass with its conspicuously striped legs is the best-known surviving form.
And the Asian wild asses?
Kulan, onager and kiang are Asian wild asses. They are related to the domestic donkey, but are not considered its ancestors.
Domestication
Genetic studies suggest that the donkey was domesticated in East Africa about 7,000 years ago – presumably when the landscape became drier and people needed an enduring pack animal. The donkey was thus one of the first animals that people deliberately used for carrying.
How the donkey conquered the world
| Location | Significance |
|---|---|
| Egypt | Donkeys carry loads, work in agriculture and are indispensable for trade routes. Early burial sites show how valuable they were. |
| Middle East | Donkeys become important riding and pack animals on trade routes. |
| Greece and Rome | Donkeys pull mills, carry goods and accompany armies. With the Romans, they reached further north. |
| Medieval Europe | Donkeys work in mills, in viticulture and as pack animals in mountain regions. |
| Today | In many countries, donkeys are still working animals, in Central Europe mainly leisure and family animals – and milk animals. |
What its origins still shape to this day
- Economical stomach: Donkeys are adapted to sparse, high-fiber food. Juicy pasture causes them problems. More in Sand instead of juicy pasture.
- Moisture is difficult: Their coat is less water-repellent than that of horses. More in Donkeys in winter.
- Hard hooves: Made for rocky, dry ground. More in Donkey hoof care.
- Loud bray and long ears: Communication over long distances. More in Why do donkeys bray? and Why do donkeys have long ears?
- Caution instead of flight: In rocky terrain, reckless flight is dangerous. More in Are donkeys stubborn?
Donkey milk: a companion since antiquity
With the donkey, its milk also entered history. In traditions from Egypt, Greece and Rome, donkey milk repeatedly appears as a precious commodity – according to tradition, Cleopatra bathed in it. More in Donkey milk in the ancient world and Hippocrates and donkey milk.
It was rare then as it is today for the same reason: A donkey gives milk only as long as it has a foal, and the foal has priority.
7,000 years of history in the glass
Donkey milk from European partner farms – hand-milked, laboratory-tested and delivered frozen. For starters, there is the Mini Duo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the donkey descended from the horse?
No. Donkeys and horses have common ancestors, but are separate species. The domestic donkey descended from the African wild ass.
Are there still wild donkeys?
The African wild ass is very rare in the wild and threatened with extinction. In addition, there are feral domestic donkeys, for example in parts of America and Australia.
Since when have there been donkeys in Germany?
Donkeys probably came to the areas north of the Alps with the Romans and were used mainly as pack animals in the Middle Ages.
What is the difference between a donkey and a mule?
A mule is a cross between a male donkey and a female horse. More in Donkey, mule, hinny.
