Animal Guide

Domestic Donkey

44 destinations · 25 states

Native Range: North Africa and the Middle East, with domestic populations found worldwide

Domestic donkeys may seem familiar, but watching one up close reveals just how expressive these hardworking animals can be. Their long ears swivel toward every sound, while the sensitive muzzle constantly investigates new smells and objects. Donkeys are well adapted to dry environments and can make efficient use of coarse grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation that many larger grazers overlook. Their sure-footed nature also helps them navigate rocky or uneven ground, which is one reason people have relied on them as working animals for thousands of years. Spend a few minutes around a group and you'll notice individual personalities. Some are curious and approach visitors, while others prefer to stand back and observe. Donkeys are social animals and often form strong bonds with companions, greeting one another with nudges, sniffing, and familiar braying. At a farm, petting area, or wildlife destination, look beyond the shaggy coat and long ears. The small movements of the ears, eyes, and muzzle can tell you what a donkey is paying attention to long before it takes its next step.

Domestic Donkey

Where to see Domestic Donkey

44 destinations across 25 states

44 destinations

Amarillo Zoo

Amarillo, TX

Austin Zoo

Austin, TX

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Williams, AZ

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

Baton Rouge, LA

Bronx Zoo

Bronx, NY

California Living Museum

Bakersfield, CA

Chahinkapa Zoo

Wahpeton, ND

Chehaw Park & Zoo

Albany, GA

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland, OH

Detroit Zoo

Royal Oak, MI

Dickerson Park Zoo

Springfield, MO

Emerald Coast Zoo

Crestview, FL

Erie Zoo

Erie, PA

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

West Orange, NJ

Fort Wayne Zoo

Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth, TX

Frank Buck Zoo

Gainesville, TX

Greensboro Science Center

Greensboro, NC

Hemker Park & Zoo

Freeport, MN

Henson Robinson Zoo

Springfield, IL

Hollywild Animal Preserve

Wellford, SC

Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu, HI

Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, FL

Lupa Zoo

Ludlow, MA

Lynnwood Park Zoo

Jacksonville, NC

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN

Mesker Park Zoo

Evansville, IN

Minnesota Zoo

Apple Valley, MN

Monterey Zoo

Salinas, CA

Potter Park Zoo

Lansing, MI

Queens Zoo

Corona, NY

Riverside Discovery Center

Scottsbluff, NE

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Syracuse, NY

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, CA

San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco, CA

Summerfield Zoo

Belvidere, IL

Western North Carolina Nature Center

Asheville, NC

Wild Adventures

Valdosta, GA

Wilderness Trails Zoo

Birch Run, MI

Woodland Park Zoo

Seattle, WA

Zoo Idaho

Pocatello, ID

Zoo World Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, FL

ZooMontana

Billings, MT

Zoosiana

Broussard, LA

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