Donkeys are known for their excellent memory. They can remember places they’ve been to and other donkeys they’ve met up to 25 years ago. This cognitive ability helps them navigate complex environments and recall the location of water sources and shelter over vast distances.

Donkeys are often perceived as stubborn, but this behavior is actually a sign of their intelligence. Unlike horses, which may run from danger impulsively, donkeys are more likely to stop, assess the situation, and respond in a way that maximizes their safety. Their cautious nature is a survival strategy in the wild.

Donkeys are highly social animals with a strong sense of herd loyalty. In the wild, they form close-knit groups and depend on each other for protection. A lone donkey is likely to become anxious without the presence of other donkeys or familiar animals.

Donkeys are often used as guard animals for livestock, particularly sheep, goats, and even cattle. Their natural wariness of predators like coyotes and wolves makes them effective protectors. Donkeys are known to chase or even stomp on intruders in defense of their herd.

Some donkeys, particularly those of Christian folklore, are believed to have a cross-shaped marking on their backs. This marking is most visible on the Nubian breed, and the pattern runs down the donkey's spine with a perpendicular stripe across its shoulders.

Donkeys have evolved to survive in arid environments, which means they can go long periods without drinking water. In hot, dry climates, they can lose up to 30% of their body weight through dehydration and still rehydrate quickly once water becomes available.

Unlike horses, donkeys are less prone to conditions like laminitis (a painful inflammation in the hooves) because their feet are adapted to rough, dry terrains. Their hooves are more robust, and they don’t require as frequent shoeing or trimming as horses.

Donkeys can mate with other equines, resulting in hybrid offspring. A male donkey (jack) mating with a female horse produces a mule, while a male horse mating with a female donkey (jenny) produces a hinny. These hybrids inherit traits from both parents but are generally sterile.

Donkeys make a distinctive "bray" sound, which is unique to them and differs from a horse's neigh. Their bray can be heard over long distances, sometimes up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). This is particularly useful in the wild or open landscapes where donkeys need to communicate with one another over vast expanses.

Donkeys are surprisingly strong and can carry heavy loads relative to their size. A healthy donkey can carry up to 20-25% of its body weight for long distances, which is why they have been used as pack animals for centuries, especially in mountainous and desert regions.

Donkeys have a higher tolerance for certain illnesses compared to horses. For instance, they are less prone to colic, a common gastrointestinal issue in horses. Their immune system also helps them survive in harsher environments where other livestock might struggle.

Like some primates, dolphins, and elephants, donkeys have shown the ability to recognize their own reflection in a mirror, which is an indicator of higher self-awareness and intelligence.

Donkeys form deep emotional bonds with their companions, whether they are other donkeys, humans, or even animals like horses or goats. They can show signs of distress or depression when separated from a companion they are attached to.

Donkeys are extremely efficient at digesting roughage and can survive on poorer quality food than many other animals. Their digestive system is capable of extracting nutrients from tough, fibrous plant material, making them well-suited to environments where food is scarce.

These facts reveal donkeys to be intelligent, hardy, and socially complex animals, often underappreciated for their contributions and unique characteristics.