The Dependable Donkey Trivia Quiz

Answer: Male

A dominant male, called a jack, will typically lead a herd of about 15 jennies and several foals. The jack is the sire of all the foals. Other males may also live with the herd, but the dominant male protects the herd and makes the decisions for the group.

Answer: They have a highly developed sense of self preservation.

If treated gently and with care, donkeys are very willing and hard-working.

Reported to be more intelligent than horses, donkeys will always think before making decisions regarding their safety. In certain circumstances, a horse will instinctively flee, while a donkey will actually stand still and assess the situation before determining the best course of action. This keen sense of self preservation, and their ability to think more independently than horses, have branded them stubborn.

Answer: A bray

The donkey's distinctive call is a raspy, brassy bray usually heard as "aw-Hee, aw-Hee". Because wild donkeys don't live in tight herds, they have developed loud vocalizations in order to keep track of one another.

Answer: Kind, gentle and placid

It's because of the calm and gentle nature of donkeys that they are used in riding programs for the disabled. They are also affectionate and make great pets for children.

Answer: Their digestive system is inefficient.

Being a desert animal has given the donkey a very efficient digestive system. They utilize 95% of what they eat, making their manure unsuitable for fertilizer. Their digestive system can break down near inedible vegetation and extract moisture from food very efficiently.

Answer: These are all notable differences.

Large ears dissipate the heat and help donkeys keep cool. Their larger eyes also give them better peripheral vision.

The coat of a donkey is longer and coarser than that of a horse. Their fur is not waterproof so protection from rain and harsh weather is needed.

The gestation period for a jenny ranges from 11-14 months, with the average length being 12 months. Typically horses carry their foals for 11 months.

Answer: It will develop permanent deposits of fat in unsightly places.

Donkeys are desert animals and can gain weight easily. A fat donkey will develop a "roll" on the neck, and pockets of fat on the barrel and over the hips. Unfortunately, once the fat deposits are there they are usually permanent. If the neck roll of fat gets too heavy, it will even flop over to one side.

Answer: Their incredible memory

Donkeys have amazing memories that allow them to negotiate mountain paths because they remember obstacles faced. In addition, according to the site, http://www.mikesdonkeys.co.uk/facts.html, donkeys can recognize areas and other familiar donkeys for up to 25 years.

Others concur that donkeys have long term memories much like elephants: http://www.ehow.com/how_2077755_keep-donkey-as-pet.html.

Answer: Zony

There is no donkey involved in creating a zony. A zony is a cross between a male zebra and a female pony. A zedonk is a cross between a male zebra and a female donkey. A mule is a cross between a male donkey and a female horse. A hinny is a cross between a male horse and a female donkey.

Answer: All of the choices listed and more.

Donkeys are used as guard animals for cattle, sheep and goats since they have a natural aversion to canines and will keep them away from the flock. In addition, they can eat the same food as the flock and don't need to be fed separately. Unlike horses, a donkey will actually rear up on its hind legs and kick defensively with its forelegs.

Donkeys are very competent at breaking young calves and yearling horses. The animal in training is hooked up to the donkey's collar and follows the donkey. For the animals, this also prevents added stress from human contact.

Donkeys have a calming effect on nervous or injured horses when put together in a stable or pasture setting.

The patient disposition of the donkey also makes them good riding animals for children and disabled people.


Thanks for taking the quiz! I hope you learned some interesting facts about donkeys.

The information from this quiz was taken from:

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex598
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey
http://www.mikesdonkeys.co.uk/facts.html
http://www.lovelongears.com/about_donkeys2.html
http://www.messybeast.com/genetics/hybrid-equines.htm
http://www.ypte.org.uk/animal/donkeys/72
http://www.ehow.com/how_2077755_keep-donkey-as-pet.html