Long Ears, Big Personalities: Getting to Know Donkeys
If you've spent any time around donkeys, you've probably noticed their calm personalities, long ears, and curious expressions. Whether it's Pepper, our newest baby donkey, or the older donkeys around the farm, these animals have a way of winning people over.
But donkeys are much more than adorable farm animals. They're intelligent, adaptable, and have been helping humans for thousands of years.
Those Famous Donkey Ears
One of the most recognizable features of a donkey is its ears. Those oversized ears aren't just cute—they serve an important purpose.
Donkeys use their ears to help regulate body temperature by releasing heat, which helped them survive in the hot, dry climates where they originally evolved. Their ears also give them excellent hearing, allowing them to detect sounds from surprisingly far away.
Are Donkeys Really Stubborn?
Donkeys are often called stubborn, but that's not actually the whole story.
Donkeys are known for being thoughtful animals. When faced with something unfamiliar, they tend to stop and assess the situation before reacting. This cautious nature helped keep them safe in rocky desert environments and is part of what makes them such dependable animals.
They're also known for having excellent memories. Donkeys can recognize places, other animals, and even people they've met years before.
Built for Friendship
Another fascinating trait is how social donkeys are. They form strong bonds with companions and enjoy spending time with other animals.
You may notice them standing side-by-side in the pasture, following one another around, or simply relaxing together. Donkeys thrive on companionship and often develop close friendships with both animals and people.
Baby Donkeys on the Move
And then there are the baby donkeys.
Baby donkeys, called foals, can usually stand within about an hour after birth. Before long, they're running, hopping, and exploring everything around them.
That playful behavior isn't just fun to watch—it helps them build strength, coordination, and confidence as they grow. Watching a young donkey discover the world is one of the many joys of life on the farm.
A Few More Fun Donkey Facts
• Baby donkeys are called foals
• A female donkey is called a "jenny" and a male donkey is called a "jack"
• Donkeys can live 25–40 years or more
• Their famous "hee-haw" can sometimes be heard from miles away
• Donkeys have excellent night vision
• They are highly social animals and prefer having companions
Farm Challenge
The next time you visit the farm, spend a few minutes watching the donkeys. Can you spot their ears turning toward different sounds? Do you notice how closely they interact with their companions?
Whether it's Pepper exploring something new or the older donkeys keeping a watchful eye on the pasture, there's always something interesting to learn from these remarkable animals.
Meet the Farm Babies This Summer
Want to meet Pepper and the rest of our farm babies in person? Our Baby Animals & Berries festival is the perfect chance to spend time with the newest additions to the farm, learn more about the animals, and enjoy a fun day outdoors with family and friends.
With baby animals arriving throughout the season, there's always something new to discover!
