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. The foal remains with its mother for about five months.
Females achieve puberty at one year.
The donkey's life span is 25 to 30 years. Most donkeys are the result of so much cross-breeding that it is impossible to define their race with any precision. Donkey and Burro are nicknames for ass. The male donkey is called jack or jackass. The female donkey is called the jenny.