esel

Esels, or Esel in German and ezel in Dutch, denote the domesticated donkey, a hoofed mammal in the horse family. The domestic donkey, Equus asinus, descends from the African wild ass (Equus africanus) and was domesticated in northeastern Africa and the Near East around 5,000–4,000 BCE.

Donkeys are smaller than horses, with a stocky body, long ears, and a short mane. They typically stand 90–150 cm at the withers and show coat colors from gray and brown to black and white patterns. They are hardy, capable of foraging on sparse vegetation, and are known for endurance and sure-footedness, especially in rough terrain.

They are social animals that live in herds and communicate through brays and body language. Donkeys are intelligent and capable of learning, though they can be cautious or stubborn in unfamiliar situations. They are efficient pack and draft animals, used for transport, farming, and other labor in arid and mountainous regions; in modern settings they are kept as livestock, guards, or therapy animals.

Reproduction: Jennies reach sexual maturity at about 2–3 years; gestation lasts 11–14 months, and most births produce a single foal.

Breeding and hybrids: Donkeys are commonly crossed with horses to produce mules (jack to mare) or hinnies (jenny to stallion); mules are typically sterile.

Conservation and distribution: Wild African wild asses are endangered in parts of their range, while the domesticated donkey remains widespread. Donkeys exist in many breeds and varieties adapted to different environments.