Donkeys have been underestimated for perhaps thousands of years. But they know their stuff. They are not as stupid animals as many people think.
Misunderstanding the brooding donkey mind
When you say someone is “dumb as a donkey” you’re essentially paying them a compliment without realizing it. This popular insult is based on a deep misunderstanding of one of the most fascinating natures in the animal kingdom.
A donkey is not stupid or lazy, it is just an essential pragmatist, which, unlike a horse, will not just be talked into something if it does not see sense or safety in it.
Why do we think they are stupid?
Fables and literature are also partly to blame, where the donkey was often contrasted with the wise horse. People also confused his deliberation with incomprehension. Because the donkey is not in a hurry and does not allow itself to be provoked into a headlong dash, it appeared to impatient people as an animal that does not care much. But the opposite is true.
The main culprit is their notorious stubbornness. But what we interpret as stupidity or stupidity is in reality advanced instinct of self-preservationy.
- Risk Analysis: If the donkey feels that the road is too steep or that the ground is collapsing under him, he simply does not move. You can hit him or yell at him, but he won’t decide to move on until he’s sure it’s safe to do so. We call it stupidity, biology calls it critical thinking.
- Scientific view: She dealt with that toopublished in the journal Animal Cognition, which compared the learning abilities of donkeys and horses. Researchers have found that donkeys often outperform horses in spatial problem-solving tests because they are more deliberate and patient in their approach to tasks.
What do we know about donkeys and what might surprise us?
Donkeys have incredible memory and social intelligence. They are animals that can remember the road or another donkey even after twenty-five years.
- Excellent hearing: Their giant ears are not only used for cooling in hot climates, but also act as sensitive antennae. In desert conditions, they can pick up the call of another donkey up to sixty kilometers away.
- Social Learning: Donkeys are able to learn by observation. If they see another donkey successfully solve a problem (like how to open a gate), they can repeat the task much faster than if they had to figure it out themselves.
- Bodyguards: Because of their fearlessness, donkeys are used in some parts of the world to guard flocks of sheep. Unlike other ungulates, the donkey stands up to the beast. He can kick the attacker very accurately and strongly or even drive him away with a bite.
Osel very therapist and mazel
Today, donkeys are increasingly used in so-called asinotherapy. Their calm, balanced and patient nature has an incredible effect on children and adults with autism, anxiety or after severe injuries.
The donkey is not in a hurry, does not judge, and its presence can make a person calm down and concentrate.
For those who can afford it and have a good background, there is an even bigger attraction. You can also have a donkey in mini size. They are adorable and can be pets to some extent.
