Donkeys Down Under

We’re excited to share some charming news.

Our donkeys have officially arrived at Stockman’s! These gentle, curious, and sometimes cheeky creatures are now part of the Stockman’s family, and we can’t wait for you to meet them.

Donkeys Down Under: The Unsung Heroes of the Outback

They’re stubborn, sure-footed, and sometimes a little loud — but donkeys have long been one of the most dependable and underappreciated animals in Australia’s rural history. While horses and cattle often take centre stage in outback lore, it was the humble donkey that helped open up the heart of the country.

Let’s take a look at the rich, surprising story of donkeys in Australia, and why these long-eared legends deserve a standing ovation.

A Journey From the Middle East to the Middle of Nowhere

Donkeys aren’t native to Australia. They were first brought here in the early **19th century**, primarily from Egypt, India, and Europe. With their ability to carry heavy loads and withstand long periods without water, donkeys quickly became vital to settlers and explorers making their way through Australia's harsh interior.

Used as pack animals, they hauled water, supplies, and equipment across unforgiving terrain, often where wagons couldn’t go. Their toughness and resilience made them indispensable to mining camps, remote stations, and survey expeditions during the early days of outback expansion.

Why Donkeys?

What made donkeys so special in the Australian outback?

Tough as nails: Donkeys can survive on low-quality forage and go longer without water than most livestock.

Sure-footed: Their smaller hooves and natural caution make them excellent for rough or mountainous terrain.

Strong and steady: A donkey can carry up to 30% of its body weight - often up to 100 kg.

Low maintenance: Compared to horses or oxen, donkeys are cheaper and easier to care for in remote environments.

Their ability to thrive in arid regions made them perfectly suited to Australia's red centre and desert edges, where few other animals could survive for long.

From Workmate to Wild

Over time, as technology replaced pack animals with trucks and trains, many donkeys were simply released into the wild. Today, Australia is home to one of the largest populations of feral donkeys in the world, particularly in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

While they’ve become part of the landscape, feral donkeys can cause environmental damage by competing with native species and damaging waterholes. Efforts to manage these populations continue, balancing ecological concerns with animal welfare.

The Donkey Today: Friend, Pet, and Protector

In recent years, donkeys have seen a bit of a renaissance - not as work animals, but as companions and guardians:

🐴 Companion animals: Donkeys are affectionate, gentle, and often bond closely with humans and other livestock.

🛡️ Livestock guardians: Believe it or not, donkeys are often used to protect sheep and goats from predators like foxes and wild dogs. They’re territorial, alert, and will chase intruders away.

❤️ Therapy animals: Their calm nature makes them ideal for animal-assisted therapy, especially with children and the elderly.

🧼 Skincare & soaps: Donkey milk has long been prized for its moisturizing qualities and is making a comeback in artisan soaps and beauty products.

Fun Donkey Facts

A male donkey is called a jack, a female is a jenny, and a hybrid donkey-horse offspring is a mule.

Donkeys have an incredible memory — they can remember places and other donkeys they knew up to **25 years** ago.

Their bray can be heard up to 3 km away, thanks to their large larynx and unique vocal structure.

Donkeys have been domesticated for over 5,000 years, with their origins tracing back to North Africa.

A Long-Eared Aussie Icon

Though they may not get the glory of the galloping horse or the towering camel, donkeys have played a quiet, steady role in building Australia. From gold rushes to cattle drives, and from station yards to backyard paddocks.

They may be called stubborn, but donkeys are smart, loyal, and brave — and they’ve earned their place in Australia’s pastoral history. Next time you hear a bray echo across the paddocks or see one standing calm and proud in the shade of a gum tree, give a nod to one of the outback’s original unsung heroes.