Ethology

        Donkey’s ethology is an interesting issue to talk about. Particularly, I have never thought of seriously searching for their true and natural behavior. Most people are used to viewing donkeys as passive animals, with those indifferent facial expressions and resignation traits. Or, when we see either personally or by records, scenes of animal abuse or bugging (to be discussed later in the blog), donkeys usually emit those characteristic noisy sounds and kicks.

       

Donkey's mutual grooming

     However, if searching really carefully (what I highly recommend), we will see that donkeys are affectionate animals. They are very social, love being among other creatures and build lasting bonds with humans and other animals, based on companionship and confidence. Related to that, these animals are easily trainable and are capable of readily responding to voice commands.

            Regarding social structures, donkeys seek companionship and they commonly call for their foals or another donkey by specific sounds to mutually groom each other excitingly. Curiously, they smell and blow in each other’s nose as a form of greeting.

            One very important behavior that most people don’t know is the manner in which donkeys react when facing a threatening situation (e.g., predators): they usually stop; stand still; study the circumstance carefully; and can really face it in a aggressive way, by loudly vocalizing or even kicking the potential predator.

Video - donkey reacts when facing a threatening circumstance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtQLIU4ze0g

Video – donkey curious with its cat companion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLXIJTQl1Wc

Online resources:

            http://woolshed1.blogspot.com/2008/11/animal-behaviour-and-welfare-donkey_22.html

                http://woolshed1.blogspot.com/2008/11/animal-behaviour-and-welfare-donkey_3201.html