The image of the representative of the horse family has long been negative: donkeys have long been considered stubborn and stupid.

But that has long been refuted - and the four-legged friends with mostly brown, gray or black fur are becoming more and more popular.

"Donkeys are very, very nice and clever," says behavioral researcher Carola Otterstedt from the Bündnis Mensch & Tier foundation, which named the donkey "Pet of the Year".

"If people see them as stupid or stubborn, it's because they misunderstand their behavior." They are completely different from horses that flee.

"A donkey remains, analyzes the situation, compares it with his experiences and then decides," explains Otterstedt.

Donkey hip in Germany

What comes across as stubborn is therefore cautious and considered.

Adapted to the mountainous terrain where donkeys are originally at home and where it can be life-threatening to just charge.

Their wild forms come from semi-deserts and mountain regions of North Africa and the Near East.

Around 6000 to 7000 years ago, people in the Near and Middle East began to domesticate them.

This makes the donkey one of the oldest domestic animals.

It came to Europe about 3000 years ago.

And is the donkey really popular as a pet in Germany?

The Alliance for Humans and Animals recognizes at least one trend: "People no longer just walk through nature with dogs, but also with other animals such as llamas or donkeys," says Otterstedt.

However, the expert warns against getting a donkey carelessly.

They are demanding pets that require a lot of time, attention and care.

"A donkey is not a cuddly toy," says the behavioral researcher.

The animals need at least one other conspecific.

They maintain “social partnerships”, as Otterstedt explains.

"If you separate a donkey from its friend, it's a disaster.

He calls for his partner and lonely.”

A donkey also calls when it is bored - because it does not have enough opportunities to occupy itself (playfully) and cannot move appropriately.

Donkeys like to run a lot, preferably on routes with different surfaces.

Lush meadows are unsuitable for husbandry, since the energy requirements of the animals are adapted to the meager food in their regions of origin.

An "Eeyore" doesn't always mean a bad mood.

Donkeys also use the sound, reminiscent of a creaking door, to greet and make contact.

Then it will certainly sound as sweet to the other donkeys as it is sung about in the children's song.