A FRIEND AT WORK

Why do donkeys make such a unique sound?

Donkeys were created with many advantages to help them work hard. They can go for a long time without water, and their digestive system is able to break down nutrients from very little vegetation. Donkeys’ big ears also help them stay cool in the hot sun. They are able to vocalize while inhaling or exhaling, leading to the classic “hee-haw!” sound, called a bray.

While donkeys are hard workers, they are also able to form relationships with humans, other donkeys, and animals that they know well. They are social animals with excellent memories and can become very attached to their companions. Donkeys can live for 40 to 50 years, which is longer than many other domesticated animals.