Donkey Facts
The donkey, also called the ass, is a domesticated equine descended from the African wild ass and used mainly as a working animal.
- Class
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Equus africanus asinus
About the donkey
Donkeys were domesticated in Africa about 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, and they have mostly worked for people ever since. Scientists classify them either as a subspecies of the African wild ass (Equus africanus asinus) or as their own species (Equus asinus). More than 40 million donkeys live worldwide, mostly in underdeveloped countries, where they pull loads or carry packs.
In wealthier countries smaller numbers are kept as pets, for breeding and to guard livestock. Donkeys have their own vocabulary. Grown males are jacks or jackasses. Grown females are jennies, jenny asses or jennets. Youngsters of either sex are foals. Mate a jack with a mare and you get a mule. The rarer cross between a stallion and a jenny is called a hinny.
Did you know?
- Working donkeys are often linked with people living at or below subsistence level.
- Donkeys first became domestic animals in Africa.
- Some donkeys in developed countries work as livestock guardians.
Questions about the donkey
What is a female donkey called?
Female donkeys are called jennies, jennets or jenny asses, and males are jacks or jackasses.
What is the difference between a mule and a hinny?
A mule comes from a male donkey and a female horse, while a hinny comes from a male horse and a female donkey.
Sources
- Wikidata Q19707, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Donkey, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.