An Essential but Overlooked Animal
Every year on 8 May, the world marks World Donkey Day. The day recognises the donkey (Equus asinus), one of the hardest-working yet overlooked animals.
For thousands of years, donkeys have helped people move goods, carry water, and farm land. Today, more than 40 million donkeys still work across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In many rural areas, daily life depends on them.
Supporting Rural Livelihoods
Donkeys provide affordable and reliable power where machines are not available. They work well in dry climates and rough terrain.
In some communities, donkeys contribute 30–60% of household income. They help families reach markets, collect water, and transport food. Donkeys also reduce heavy physical work, especially for women and children. This support improves access to education, health care, and time for family life.
Gaps in Policy and Protection
Despite their value, many policies still ignore donkeys. Governments often exclude them from livestock plans, veterinary services, and national statistics.
This lack of recognition leads to poor welfare, limited health care, and unsafe working conditions. It also weakens rural development efforts.
Rising Threats to Donkeys
Over the last 25 years, donkeys have faced growing pressure from the global donkey skin trade, driven mainly by demand for ejiao.
Millions of donkeys have been lost. As a result, communities suffer income loss and reduced resilience. Several countries and the African Union have responded by restricting or banning donkey skin exports.
Donkey Milk: A Sustainable Opportunity
At the same time, donkey milk is gaining global attention. It is known for its nutritional value and low allergy risk.
Donkey milk is now used in infant nutrition, cosmetics, medicines, and speciality foods. When managed well, milk production supports income without harming animals.
A well‑known example is donkey‑milk cheese, including Pule cheese from Serbia, the most expensive cheese in the world. Produced in very small quantities, it shows how high value can support conservation.
Farm Guards and Trusted Companions
Donkeys also play a critical role as natural farm and livestock guards. Farmers often keep them with sheep, goats, and cattle to deter predators. Donkeys are highly alert animals and quickly respond to unfamiliar movement or sounds around farms.
In many regions, videos and field observations show donkeys actively confronting predators, including wild dogs, wolves, hyenas, and even large cats, to defend livestock and farm areas. Unlike animals that flee, donkeys often move toward the threat. Their loud bray, strong kick, and bold behavior can scare away or stop predators before they reach livestock.
Pastoralists value donkeys for this protective instinct. In mixed herds, even a single donkey can act as an early warning system and, in some cases, a direct deterrent against predators. This role is especially important in open landscapes where fencing and other protection measures are limited.
Beyond their guarding role, donkeys are among the most trusted and friendly animals in pastoral communities. They form strong bonds with people and show calm, predictable behavior.
Donkeys are especially gentle and safe with women and children. Their patient nature makes them suitable for daily household tasks, water collection, and farm work. For many families, the donkey is not only a worker and a guard, but also a companion.
A Call for Smarter Action
World Donkey Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder to act.
Donkeys support livelihoods, farm safety, and family well‑being. Policies must recognise them as development assets, not disposable tools. Better welfare standards and ethical value chains will protect donkeys and the people who depend on them.
Please share your thoughts, photos, activities with the donkey, and the stories from your region. In some regions, the donkey is now used in the mining industry; there are many new tasks wth human companion has given to the donkeys.
