Donkey Day - May 8

World Donkey Day is a day in honor of one of the animals with the longest history of human use in the equine family.

The domesticated donkey has been used by humans in many ways throughout history, as far back as 7,000 years ago, in carrying heavy loads in difficult and challenging areas and in any climate, even the most demanding. It was also used for carrying people, without any regard for the weight it carries on its back because of the high endurance it has and in various arduous agricultural jobs.

The donkey is mistakenly attributed two wrong traits: stubbornness and stupidity. Studies have found that this stigma is incorrect.

The reason for their stubborn standing in place is their intelligence and sensitivity to danger. The donkeys are able to think independently and make decisions in their favor, so when they feel something is wrong they stop and start digging with their heels in the ground. Donkeys also have an excellent memory. They are able to remember people and donkeys they knew from 25 years ago.

The word "donkey" is used as an insulting and disparaging phrase and there are phrases that use the word donkey to describe something inappropriate like "Like a donkey carrying books" to describe someone who stores knowledge but is not smart enough to use it, "donkey", "ass" or "dumbass" to say someone is particularly stupid or silly. After all the service that the donkey gives to humans during his life, is this the treatment he deserves?

The donkey is a social animal. They desperately need the company of other donkeys. A donkey that is not in the company of other donkeys will experience depression and may even die from it. A company of other mammals will also help the donkey overcome the feeling of loneliness.

When donkeys live in a herd, they tend to nurture and clean themselves.

The sound that the donkey makes is called bray. The male donkey is called a jack and a female is called a jenny or jennet. The donkey's offspring is called a foal.

Mule is a descendant of a donkey and a mare. The mule is a very strong animal, more so than the donkey and is a barren animal that is unable to give birth to offspring.

The lifespan of the donkey is between twenty and fifty years. The donkey eats plants and its digestive system is able to break down even plants that are not edible to humans. They are able to utilize 95% of the food they eat because they originally live in desert areas where there is not much vegetation available. They also take advantage of the moisture in the plants they eat to maintain the amount of water in their bodies.

How to celebrate World Donkey Day?

The best way to celebrate World Donkey Day is to learn about the donkeys and get to know them, and to teach other people about them, and let them know how wrong the stigmas are. Another great way is to help charities that rescue donkeys from abuse and neglect and give them a better life.

National Horse Day in US - 13 December

National Horse Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States each year, on December 13, aims to raise awareness of the importance of horses and their enormous contribution to our lives over the centuries in different areas and that we should take care of them and treat them well.

In honor of National horse, here some interesting facts about horses:

Horses can sleep standing up.

The world's smallest horse born at a height of 35 inches and a weight of 2.7 pounds. He was born on a farm in New Hampshire on April 22, 2010 and was called Einstein. 

Watch the video of Einstein world's smallest horse walking around inside the house

The Roman emperor Gaius Caligula appointed his horse a senator.

In Britain, all horses, ponies, zebras and donkeys must have a passport.

Source

Horses have eight blood types, while dogs have 13, cows have 9 and humans have only four.

Horsehead appeared in the film "The Godfather" from 1972 was real.

The practice of eating horse meat is called Hypophagia.

Horses can not vomit.

In many parts of Europe, for centuries, animals, including pigs, horses and even insects, could be judged and convicted of committing acts of crime.

British Army has more horses than tanks.

The staff of McDrive in McDonald's restaurants don't serve people if they come riding on horses.

In 1923, riding a horse race suffered a fatal heart attack while riding, but his horse finished and won the race, making him the first rider who won the race after.

In the early years of the 20th century, horses caused so much pollution with their poop cars were seen as an alternative "green".

Horses are one of the most popular animals among kids. Here are some horses coloring pages.

Horses coloring pages

Free printable coloring pages of horses.

National Horse Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States each year, on December 13, aims to raise awareness of the importance of horses and their enormous contribution to our lives over the centuries in different areas and that we should take care of them and treat them well.

Choose the coloring page of the horse you want to paint, print and paint for your enjoyment. To print the page you would like to color, click on page and then click Ctrl+P.