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Domestic Donkey

 

Overview

Woburn Safari Park is home to three donkeys named Tash, Darcy and Daphne. 

Darcy and Daphne are domestic donkeys who share their home with their Abyssinian companion, Tash. While Tash has a distinctive grey coat, Darcy and Daphne are a rich chestnut brown, making them easy to tell apart. 

The three live alongside their pony friend, Holly the Shetland pony. You can find them in Farmyard Friends in the Foot Safari.

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All about us

Distribution: Northeast Africa
Habitat: Desert and mountainous areas
Height: 90 - 250 kg
Weight: 90 - 210 kg
Gestation Period: 11 - 14 months
Lifespan: 30 - 40 years in captivity

About us

Scientific name: Equus asinus

Domestic donkeys are descended from the African wild ass and are well adapted to harsh, arid environments thanks to their endurance. While smaller than horses, donkeys are strong animals capable of carrying heavy loads and have traditionally been used as working animals to help herd livestock and guard farms. With their calm, steady temperament, donkeys are a soothing presence for more skittish animals, particularly horses. They are known to be docile, playful, curious and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with both people and other animals.

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Abyssinian Donkey Facts

The donkey is related to the horse and zebra, all of which belong to the same family known as 'Equus'.
If donkeys sense something unfamiliar or unsafe, they’ll stop and assess the situation rather than react instinctively, which is sometimes mistaken for stubbornness.
Donkeys are naturally sure-footed, making them well-suited to uneven or rocky terrain
In a flat desert environment, you can hear a donkey's bray up to 60 miles away. 
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