Mediterranean donkeys are compact, well-proportioned animals with a gentle, loving personality. They are very trusting and always willing to please.

Their most common colour is grey dun with chocolate highlights. Other colours include brown, black, slate grey, sorrel, spotted, piebald, skewbald and cream.

Where do Mediterranean donkeys live?
Mediterranean donkeys came from the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, near Italy. However they are now almost extinct in their native land.

What are Mediterranean donkeys used for?
In olden days these donkeys were often used to pull a cart or carry a pack, or worked turning grinding stones for grain inside peasants houses. There are 18th century wood block pictures showing these small donkeys, blindfolded, attached to the grain mill and walking in endless circles.

They were also used to carry water from village wells and supplies into the mountains for shepherds.

Average lifespan
Up to approximately 30 years