Miniature Donkey / Sicilian Donkey
What is the difference between a donkey
and a mule?
Read the lower right column for
definitions of both.
Miniature donkeys aka Sicilian Donkeys are native to the
Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. They are
identified as either Sicilian or Sardinian donkeys according
to their ancestry, although the two types do not differ.
They have been extensively bred with each other and with
animals of unidentified ancestry in the United States to
produce a distinctively American breed of donkeys, which we
call the Miniature Mediterranean Donkey. According to all
information that can be acquired these donkeys are nearly
extinct in the land of their origin and have been brought to
their current state of being an excellent breed by breeders
in the United States who have bred for years for size,
disposition and conformation.
The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey is
by nature one of the friendliest and most affectionate
animals of its type. They are very tame and gentle. They
are also easier to manage in everyday life than some
donkeys simply because they are smaller. They love their
owners and seek attention. They do this with friendly
nudges and brays and funny little sounds designed to get
you to pay attention to them. The miniature donkey is
extremely intelligent and docile and is easily trained.
Geldings or jennets make the best pets. Jacks enjoy
braying and may become excited in the presence of the
females. This information was taken from
www.ansi.okstate.edu
At Cub Creek Science Camp we have two
Miniature Donkeys. Our male is Wilson and our female
is Zoe. They are housed in the Barn area of the Ranch.
Wilson has a very loud and humorous bray and may startle a
unsuspecting person walking by. Zoe on the other hand
is very quiet and calm. During Science Camp they are
often adopted by our camper for the week.
More information on Miniature Donkey
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Some useful terminology:
Mule: A
domesticated, hybrid animal that results from crossing a
mare (female horse) and a jack (male donkey).
Donkey: A domesticated ass.
Ass: A four-footed, hoofed mammal related to the
horse, but smaller, with longer ears and a shorter mane,
shorter hair on the tail, and a dark stripe along the back.
Jackass: A male ass. The main difference between the
jackass and the donkey is their domestication -- the ass is
wild; the donkey is domesticated.
Burro: A small donkey that is often used as a pack
animal because it is particularly sure-footed.
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