Animal of the Month

1. Donkeys are affectionate and enjoy the company of humans and other donkeys. Without companionship, they can become depressed.
2. Donkeys can live 25 to 35 years, but in developing countries, where they are often overworked, they are unlikely to reach the age of 10.
3. Donkeys have an extremely good memory and can remember other donkeys and places they have been as long as 25 years later.
4. Donkeys don't have waterproof fur, so they don't like to be in the rain for long periods of time.
5. There are approximately 800 donkeys working in UK seaside resorts, and roughly 200 of those donkeys work on the beach in Blackpool.
6. Donkeys choose the strongest member of the herd to be the leader. In the wild, if the herd is attacked by wolves or other predators, the leader will confront the attackers, allowing the rest of the herd to escape to safety.
7. Working donkeys are often forced to take on heavier loads than their bodies can manage.
8. In poor countries, donkeys don't cost very much to buy, so people who put donkeys to work are more likely to buy a new donkey than to pay for a sick or injured animal's veterinary treatment.
9. Pain is a common cause of behavioural problems in donkeys – arthritis or a bad back can cause a donkey to kick or refuse to move.
10. Donkeys are intelligent animals who can learn at the same rate as can dogs and dolphins.