For nearly 4,000 years, people have used donkeys of all sizes for transportation, pulling wagons, carrying heavy loads and powering farm machinery. Today, donkeys are still a main source of agricultural power because of their strength and hardy nature. Donkeys have gained a reputation for being a tireless worker. This has made them an essential part of farming, business, and everyday life all over the world. Even in today’s modern world, the lack of infrastructure in many locations makes donkeys invaluable. The island of Hydra does not allow cars and donkeys are the only mode of transportation for goods and humans. China has the largest population of donkeys in the world. Ethiopia has alone has over 400,000 donkeys in use. They are such an important part of people’s lives, many people call them friends. Special medical clinics have been established to specially care for the animal to whom so many people owe their livelihood.
Of all the mammals in the world who provide milk for humans, the donkey's milk is most similar to human milk. It was commonly considered a substitute for breast milk up until the 20th century when artificial milk substitutes became available. Donkey milk is a generous source of phosphorus, calcium, and proteins. It has more lactose than cow’s milk, but contains less fat. Throughout history woman have touted the benefits of donkey milk for human skin. It has been said that the Roman Emperor Nero’s wife, Poppaea, Napoleon’s sister, Pauline Bonaparte, and even Cleopatra bathed in the milk of donkeys to help them to maintain their skin’s youth and beauty.
The miniature Sicilian donkey cannot stand above 36 inches tall at the top of the shoulder when fully grown according to breed registry standards. They are typically a light gray-brown color, with dark markings on their large ears and feet. They also have a dark mane extending to a stripe down their back and another across their shoulders, forming the shape of a cross. This patterning has given the Sicilian donkey the nickname “the holy cross donkey”. However, donkeys can be a variety of colors within the over 140 known breeds of the world. The Sicilian donkeys are one of the most affectionate and friendliest of the donkey breeds. Generally tame and gentle, they seek attention from their human companions and are easier to manage due to their small size. When well cared for, Sicilian donkeys may live up to 35 years, making them lifelong friends for both humans and other animals.
Donkeys are quite intelligent animals, making them less likely to frighten than their equine cousins, easily trained, and generally willing companions. They are capable of living in a wide variety of habitats all over the world. Even though Sicilian donkeys are considered a miniature breed, they maintain their proportional strength and are incredibly hardy. Like other miniature animal breeds, they require less space and forage to thrive. This makes them ideal for small farms, and locations with limited or poor quality grasses and scarce water supplies. Donkeys kept by humans eat grasses, grains, and hay. In the wild, however, they will forage for leaves, bark, twigs, and even thistles. They can go longer than any other equine without water, only requiring a drink every 2-3 days. This has made donkeys an essential part of developing the world, and they are still of great use today.
Fast Facts
Name: Sicilian Donkey
Scientific: Equus africanus asinus
Family: Equidae
Relatives: Horse, Zebra
Environment: Grasslands, Brushland
Origin: Sicily, Sardinia
Life-span: 35 years
Size: 36 in max height
Sicilian donkeys, also known as Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, Sardinian donkeys, or miniature donkeys, are from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia in Italy. They are nearly extinct in their land of origin, but are now prevalent in the United States.
Over a span of many years, American miniature donkey breeders have made the breed what it is today. They have bred selectively to achieve a height under 36 inches at the shoulder and a friendly disposition, while maintaining a solid and strong build that makes these donkeys ideal companions. Through breed registries, it is estimated that there over 10,000 Sicilian donkeys in the United States.
1. Males - Jack, Girls - Jenny
2. Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk
3. Nickname - “The Holy Cross Donkey”
“A man without a donkey is a donkey himself.”
- Ethiopian proverb
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