What Are Donkeys Used For? (6 Amazing Things)

Donkeys are incredible animals but a lot of people forget exactly what they can do and become.

Historically, they’ve had far more uses – both for the Romans as workers and the military as logistical solutions.

But the most common things donkeys are used for today are:

  • Riding
  • Show events
  • Guardians
  • Companion or therapy animals
  • Labour
  • Meat and milk

And if that all sounds a little brief, don’t worry. We’ll take a look at each.

Ready to get started?

Riding

A familar sight for many people, especially those visiting petting zoos or farms and ranches, are donkey rides.

Standard and mammoth sized donkeys make good riding animals (when trained). They’re obedient, not fussed by a saddle and have a suprising amount of stamina.

For smaller individuals, especially children, they’re a safe introduction into the wider world of horse riding.

In other parts of the world, especially lesser developed countries, they’re even a reliable mode of transport.

Show Events

Just like horses, donkeys have their own world of events.

Here’s a few you might see them taking part in:

A long list of these types of events are listed at the American Donkey Association.

You’ll see most revolve around appreciating the beauty and breeding of donkeys as opposed to anything else!

Guardians

Although it’s definitely not recommended for every donkey, some make great guardian animals capable of keeping other livestock safe.

Due to the way donkeys have evolved, they tend to face up and warn of threats rather than run. For a farm or ranch owner, that’s the perfect solution. Something akin to a round-the-clock security system for animals vulnerable to predators!

Related: Do Donkeys Keep Coyotes Away (6 Things You Need To Know)

You do have to be careful with this of course. And you can’t assume every donkey will face up to a threat or be capable of winning a battle.

But they do have a solid reputation.

Companion/Therapy Animals

Something that has become more common with donkeys in the past few years is their use as therapy or companion animals.

Thanks to their beautiful and peaceful looks, many humans enjoy getting close to them and spending time with them in order to solve issues like anxiety and depression.

This is something – along with the option to sponsor a donkey – that many donkey sanctuaries offer with open and visitor days too.

And that’s not counting their bonus use as an excellent and loyal pet too!

Labour/Draught Work

In some parts of the world (and even the U.S., the UK and elsewhere) donkeys are still used as pack animals helping to pull carts, machinery and the like.

Since the heyday of donkeys doing this during World War I (when horses were more commonly sent to the frontlines for use by soldiers), you may be suprised that some farmers still use them for similar work today.

As well as cart work you’ll see they’re excellent tillers too. Just check out this well behaved mini helping his farm dad out…

Meat and Milk

Although it pains me to say it, donkey meat is something consumed in some parts of the world.

Related: What Is Donkey Meat Called? (How To Identify It & How It Tastes)

For centuries they were bred exactly for that purpose.

The story is similar with donkey milk. According to Healthline.com, it’s very similar to human breast and cow’s milk. It’s low in fat and has more Vitamin D than most other milks too.

Related Questions

What Are Miniature Donkeys Used For?

Miniature donkeys are mainly used as pets. Their cute looks and friendly disposition helps bring a lot of joy to people – especially children. Many American owner also breed them for competitions.

The National Miniature Donkey Association (NMDA) has been running shows since 1992. They’re designed to showcase the looks of the breed as well as emphasizing things like safety and well-being.

Due to their size, they generally have fewer uses than standard or mammoth-sized donkeys. But they can still do a lot of the same stuff!

What Are Mules Used For?

Mules, especially in less developed nations, are often used for transport – both of products and of people. Their hardiness makes them well equipped for ground work.

They can also be used for riding, show jumping, dressage and other popular equine events.

Historically they were used in the military to transport weaponry and by farmers to pull equipment across land.

How Do Donkeys Help Humans?

All of a donkeys’ main uses, except being guardian animals, directly help humans. Their strength and size benefits us in carrying things and helping us get from A to B. Their disposition and calming nature helps us better relax.

Why Do Humans Keep Donkeys?

Humans mainly keep donkeys, at least in the modern world, as pets and companion animals.

Technology and machinery has replaced most of the ways they helped humans with physical labor. While cars and trucks mean we don’t really need them much for transport today either.

But we definitely still need them as loving pets for us to take care of and learn from!

Do All Donkeys Have Uses?

Not all donkeys are suitable for uses like riding, tilling, transporting or as guardian animals. Many factors go into deciding what they do best. But temperament, especially in terms of obedience, is a key thing. Donkeys need to be trained just like any other equine.

Of course a donkey that isn’t physically fit to do specific jobs should never be forced to. You have to respect things like their age, their condition and whether or not they present a danger to themselves or others.

Final Thoughts: What Are Donkeys Used For?

Donkeys have lots of uses but none so great as being amazing animals to look after and care for.

Hopefully this article has helped wake you up to some of the other things they’re capable of though!

And if you want to discover even more about these versatile animals then check out our guides.

Sources

There’s lots of interesting donkey-related info there.

Image Credit: @royaannmiller at Unsplash

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