When kept on soft ground the hooves grow rapidly and soon become extra long. This puts great pressure on the pasterns as the animals' weight is no longer directly over its hooves. A farrier or veterinarian should be consulted. In the wild, donkeys travel in herds up to 100 in number, usually led by a male. Although they are gregarious by nature, the herd breaks up at foaling time.
Donkeys are most active in the evening, but also move about during the day and at night.
When threatened, their defense is to run or bite. As herbivores, donkeys feed mainly on grass, which includes some browsing. In the zoo they are fed grass, hay, zoo ration, trace minerals, and treats such as carrots and apples. The gestation period for donkeys is approximately 12 months. There is usually just one foal, which is able to stand up within minutes after birth.