Donkeys were originally domesticated in Egypt around 6000 years ago from wild Nubian asses, a species that is now threatened with extinction. Not as large as horses, they could still carry heavy loads and were prized as desert-adapted pack animals.
History
Donkeys have played a prominent role in many cultures. Domesticated by the Egyptians, carvings of donkey hunts and donkeys at work appear on ancient stonework. A donkey carried Jesus of Nazareth into Jerusalem for his final Passover celebration. George Washington was given gifts of donkeys by both the king of Spain and the Marquis de Lafayette. Since 1870, the donkey has been the symbol of the Democratic party in the United States. Recent beloved donkeys include A.A. Milne’s Eeyore and the more contemporary donkey of Shrek fame.