Miniature Donkey

Native to the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia and residing on valleys and hillsides, the miniature donkey subsists on a diet of grasses and hay. The donkey is not a true miniature since it was bred down to its current size ranging from 31" to 38" and weighing from 200 to 450 lbs. They are brown, white, tan and chestnut in color. If cared for properly they can live to the ripe old age of 40 years old. In Siciliy and Sardinia they are used primarily as pack animals and beasts of burden, whereas in the United States they serve as pets because of their loving personalities and ability to form close attachments with their owners. The donkey is easy-going and a wonderful companion with children. They are known to communicate with their owners by "braying" or hee-hawing" and they develop feeding schedules to let their owners know when they are hungry or want attention.