Ologies with Alie Ward: Asinology (DONKEYS) with Faith Burden

Released: January 28, 2026
Guest: Dr. Faith Burden – Director of Research and Operational Support, The Donkey Sanctuary

Overview

In this heartwarming, myth-busting, and informational episode of Ologies, host Alie Ward dives deep into the world of donkeys (asinology) with Dr. Faith Burden, a leading expert in donkey welfare and science. The episode covers donkey evolution, behaviors, roles in human history, welfare issues, common misconceptions, and practical care tips. Listeners submit questions, and Dr. Burden responds with expertise, humor, and affection—demonstrating why she’s a true friend to donkeys worldwide.

Episode Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. The Origin and Domestication of Donkeys

[04:08-11:15]

• Ancestry & Domestication: The donkey's ancestor is from East Africa – specifically Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan.
  • "Donkeys were first domesticated about 7,000 years ago, we think, in East Africa." – Dr. Faith Burden [04:30]
• Global Expansion: From Egypt, where they were revered, donkeys spread across the world via the Romans and explorers, reaching the Americas around the 15th century.
• Historical Role: Ancient Egyptians valued donkeys for meat, milk, and as symbols of nobility—sometimes even buried alongside royalty.
• Cultural Depictions: They appear in ancient rituals and funerary assemblages as both helpers and ambiguous figures (sometimes malevolent).

2. Donkey Communication, Biology & Behavior

[07:07-24:02]

• Desert Adaptations: Big ears help dissipate heat and aid long-distance communication—since wild donkeys were often solitary or in small groups.
• Communication: Bray travels kilometers; donkeys use a variety of vocalizations (bray, snort, whiffle), each with specific meaning.
  • "You can often tell which bray belongs to which member of the herd." – Dr. Faith Burden [21:56]
• Emotional Bonds: Donkeys form strong, lifelong pair bonds and mourn lost companions, but can also express joy at reunion.
• Personality: Donkeys are subtle, patient, and won’t waste energy—traits evolved from surviving desert environments.

3. The Donkey Sanctuary & Welfare Worldwide

[08:05-11:15], [12:07-16:04]

• Sanctuary Stats: 6,200 donkeys under The Donkey Sanctuary’s care; around 4,000 in direct care, rest in guardian homes [08:16].
• Why Donkeys Need Help: Many are abandoned, have behavioral/medical issues, or outlive owners. Donkeys live into their 30s.
• Global Reality: Most working donkeys are vital to livelihoods in the global south—supporting families, agriculture, and economies. Challenges are often rooted in lack of resources/information, not just cruelty.
• Donkey Hide Trade: Up to 4.8 million donkeys a year die for their hides, mainly for traditional medicine (ejiao). The Sanctuary is fighting for global welfare reform.

4. Dr. Faith Burden’s Story

[12:07-16:04]

• Falling in Love with Donkeys: "I visited the donkey sanctuary when I was seven and I fell with the donkey sanctuary and their donkeys." – Dr. Faith Burden [12:17]
• Background: Originally a microbiologist/virologist, focused on zoonotic diseases. Transitioned to donkey welfare after working with mules in the US.
• Notable Quote:
  "Donkeys are not stupid. Anyone that thinks a donkey's stupid has simply been outwitted by them." – Dr. Faith Burden [16:49]

5. Busting Donkey Myths

[16:24-20:06]

• "Stubborn, Stupid" Stereotype: Donkeys are wrongly judged by horse standards; their refusal is thoughtful caution, not stubbornness. They consider before acting.
• Cultural Influence: Western media, from Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh) to Shrek, reinforces stereotypes.
• Affection and Humor: Donkeys show affection subtly but can be mischievous (“They're smart and clever.” – Erin Talbert [25:06]). They’re capable of gentle trickery and even humor.

6. Donkey, Mule, Hinny: Genetics and Characteristics

[25:18-32:47]

• Mules vs. Donkeys: Mule = male donkey + female horse; hinny = female donkey + male horse—hinnies are rarer.
• Sterility Explained: Chromosomal mismatch (64 in horses, 62 in donkeys) means almost all mules/hinnies are sterile.
• Hybrid Vigor: Mules combine donkey resilience with horse speed and size. They're smart, strong, and need consistent, respectful handling.
• Strength: Donkeys and mules are stronger (proportionally) than horses and often used as “beasts of burden” in challenging environments.

7. Physical Adaptations & Unique Physiology

[34:00-37:31]

• Mini Donkeys: Originally bred in Sicily and Sardinia for tiny, arid tracks; now popular, but have unique health issues if not bred responsibly.
• Hands Measurement: "One hand is four inches or just over 10 centimeters." – Alie Ward [35:20]
• Personal Pets: Dr. Burden herself has a miniature mule, Monty, as a companion.

8. Q&A: Donkey Biology, Behavior, Care

[44:29-79:25]

Selected Listener Questions & Answers

• Donkey Sweat:
  • "Donkeys don't tend to sweat anywhere near as much... That is because of their desert evolution. They preserve their water." – Dr. Faith Burden [44:47]
• Nose Blowing/Flehmen Response:
  • Donkeys blow on each other's noses and exhibit the Flehmen response (curling upper lip) to enhance olfactory communication; this is key for social and territorial behaviors [45:50–46:36].
• Teeth and Muzzles:
  • Mobile muzzles and strong jaws help them pick through tough, thorny plants and avoid harm.
  • Their teeth are adapted for pinching grass and grinding tough fodder; molars grow throughout life [49:43].
• Aggression Toward Small Animals:
  • Viral videos of donkeys picking up goats/calves = territorial aggression, not play. Introductions to other animals must be gradual and cautious.
  • "What looks cute is actually not. That's a donkey's evolutionary fight response." – Dr. Faith Burden [53:12]
  • Donkeys can serve as guard animals for livestock, using this natural protectiveness.
• Play and Enrichment:
  • Donkeys love toys: rubber items, buckets, footballs, grooming brushes, etc. They enjoy novelty—rotate toys to keep them interested [55:30–57:00].
• Baby Donkeys & Gestation:
  • Donkey gestation varies from 11 to 13+ months. Jennies (female donkeys) may delay birth until feels safe—an evolutionary advantage [57:36–58:43].
• Donkey Milk & Cheese:
  • Donkey milk is biochemically similar to human milk; historically believed beneficial for infants and for bathing. Donkey cheese requires a large volume of milk and often comes with significant welfare concerns—Dr. Burden discourages supporting donkey milk/cheese industries without strict welfare standards [59:38–63:21].
• Hoof Anatomy & Care:
  • "Donkey feet, apart from those first few hours after birth, are amazing... highly adapted." – Dr. Faith Burden [63:44]
  • Hoofs are sponge-like and adapted for dry, arid ground; wet climates lead to hoof problems ("donkey foot nightmare").
  • Donkeys usually don't require shoes; those in tough working conditions (esp. mules) may benefit, but most do well barefoot.
  • Upright, boxy hooves make them sure-footed, ideal for mountain trails; helps explain their use in the Grand Canyon [67:22–68:19].
• Carrying Capacity:
  • Donkeys can safely carry 28–50% of body weight (depending on size and condition); mules up to about 30%. Overloading leads to serious welfare issues [69:18].
  • Responsible outfitters and humane work conditions exist—do research before riding or hiring a pack donkey.
    • "If you are thinking about going on these tours, have a look at the animal yourself... If you’re not sure, don’t do it." – Dr. Faith Burden [71:04]

9. Donkey Care: Ownership & Welfare Tips

[72:52-75:44]

• Never keep a donkey alone: Needs donkey companions for mental health.
• Shelter and footing: Donkeys need a dry shelter plus pasture; wet/muddy ground causes health problems.
• Diet: Should have low-quality fiber (e.g., straw) instead of rich feeds; risk of overfeeding.
• Know your donkey: Time and personal attention enable caretakers to notice minor changes that signal health issues.
• Finances: Donkeys need vaccines, yearly dental care, hoof trims every 8 weeks, and possible vet expenses; can live 25–30+ years ("Donkeys are not cheap" – Dr. Faith Burden [75:48]).

10. Emotional Meaning & Final Reflections

[76:24–end]

• Hardest Part: Saying goodbye to beloved donkeys at end-of-life, due to long lives and stoic (pain-hiding) nature.
• Best Part: Time spent with donkeys—whether scratching ears or training, their gentle nature is a privilege.
  • "There's nothing better than a donkey blowing gently on the back of your hand saying, I'm here, could you come and scratch my ear, please?" – Dr. Faith Burden [78:23]

Notable Quotes

• "Donkeys are not stupid. Anyone that thinks a donkey's stupid has simply been outwitted by them."
  — Dr. Faith Burden [16:49]
• "Donkeys form one special companion for life... and if one goes, they grieve."
  — Dr. Faith Burden [20:06]
• "Donkey’s bray travels for kilometers."
  — Dr. Faith Burden [07:12]
• "Get to know your donkey. That will let you know if something is wrong."
  — Dr. Faith Burden [74:51]
• "The best bit is working with just such charismatic animals."
  — Dr. Faith Burden [78:23]

Key Timestamps

• 04:08 – Donkey origins and history
• 05:11 – Role in ancient Egypt; symbolism
• 07:07 – Desert adaptations and big ears
• 08:16 – Donkey Sanctuary overview
• 10:16 – Working donkeys worldwide and welfare
• 12:17 – Dr. Burden’s journey to donkeys
• 16:24 – Busting common myths
• 20:06 – Donkey emotions and pair bonding
• 21:56 – Vocalizations and communication
• 25:33 – Mules, hinnies, and mule genetics
• 34:17 – Mini donkeys: origins, welfare, Dr. Burden’s pet
• 44:29 – Listener Q&A: donkey sweat, communication, feeding, teeth
• 53:12 – Territorial aggression toward small animals; guard donkeys
• 55:30 – Play and enrichment
• 57:36 – Donkey gestation and babies
• 59:36 – Donkey milk and cheese, welfare concerns
• 63:44 – Hooves, fairy feet, and hoof care
• 67:22 – Upright hooves and sure-footedness
• 69:18 – Load-carrying ability
• 72:52 – Donkey companionship and care essentials
• 75:48 – Cost and commitment of donkey ownership
• 76:40–78:23 – Hardest and best part of working with donkeys

Resources & Further Information

• The Donkey Sanctuary
• Ologies episode page: alie.tv/ologies/asinology
• Additional papers cited (e.g., donkey genetics, ancient ritual, donkey skin welfare)
• Donkey care guides available at The Donkey Sanctuary’s website

Tone & Takeaway

The episode is both educational and affectionate, filled with tender anecdotes, science-backed facts, and lively myth-busting. Dr. Faith Burden shares both the joys and challenges of donkey life, encouraging listeners to appreciate, respect, and advocate for these often-misunderstood animals. Asinology reveals donkeys as smart, gentle, strong, and emotionally complex companions who deserve our thoughtful care.

Summary prepared for those seeking the highlights, lessons, and spirit of this Ologies episode without missing the magic and wisdom of Dr. Faith Burden’s donkey devotion.