Donkeys—about 40 million of them worldwide, divided amongst some 185 varieties—all originate from the African Wild Ass (Equus asinus asinus). For centuries, the word "Ass" was the universal name for the creature (even in the Bible). Males were called "Jacks" or "Jackasses." Females were called a "She-Ass." But, starting in the Eighteenth Century, the name became viewed as, shall we say, impolite? (It was the same time that "cocks" became "roosters" and "coneys" became "rabbits.") "Donkey" has become the most popular (English) name, to this day.
The first donkey came to The Americas with the second voyage of Christopher Columbus (1495)—specifically to the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean. In 1528, the first Bishop of Mexico arrived, bringing with him donkeys. And the first donkeys to cross into what would become the United States crossed the Rio Grande in 1598. By the time of the Gold Rush (starting in 1849), donkeys—called burros in Spanish or Portuguese—were well established in the US.
Besides being pack- or draft-animals, donkeys make decent guard animals. They are sometimes kept with sheep which they can protect from wolves by kicking (with either front or back legs).
A donkey has a slow gestation period, from 11 to 14 months. As a result, donkeys never have one foal per year. When a male donkey (a jack) is crossbred with a female horse (a mare), a Mule is the result. When the species are switched (stallion horse, jenny donkey), a Hinny is the result.
The term "donkey's years" refers to a very long period of time. I have customers who might say, "I've been shopping at LEO Design for donkey's years!"
The little bronze sculpture, shown above, is loaded with character. And, as a surprise, the bottom of each hoof is imprinted with the letters K-I-C-K. "Kick Ass! Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.