World Donkey Day: origins, importance, and reasons to commemorate the day

WEB DESK: World Donkey Day is celebrated on May 8. This year, the occasion falls on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

This day is dedicated to honouring the humble donkey and shedding light on its myriad remarkable qualities. World Donkey Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the existence of donkeys and the profound impact they have had on human civilization.

SYMBOLIC INTERPRETATIONS

An interesting fact about Donkeys is the varied interpretation of the animal’s attributes across the globe. While in the US, donkey is the electoral symbol for the Democratic Party – in our part of the world donkeys are considered synonymous with ‘loveable goofs’.

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Considering the true attributes of this beast, donkeys are highly intelligent creatures, sociable and calm, capable of independent thinking and decision making. They are strong and won’t do something they consider unsafe, which makes them a great, trusted companion.

On the flipside, the idea of donkeys as a dumb animal come from their stubbornness. Although we are used to think of donkeys as animals in the service of man, they have a difficult character and are not easy to domesticate. Their characteristics make them more “rebel” than “stupid”.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The concept of World Donkey Day was initially introduced in 2018 by Ark Raziq, a researcher specializing in desert fauna. Recognising the lack of acknowledgment for the donkey’s contributions to society, Raziq proposed the idea. The inaugural observance took place in 2019.

World Donkey Day is commemorated annually on May 8. Diverse organisations seize the opportunity to disseminate information about the animal and advocate for its protection. The day also is dedicated to promoting responsible donkey care practices.

REASONS TO COMMEMORATE

For centuries, donkeys have been integral to human activities. They’ve facilitated the transport of goods and services and have even been enlisted in warfare. Presently, donkeys serve various purposes, including transportation, construction, and agriculture. Moreover, they remain a popular attraction in zoological parks worldwide.

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By celebrating World Donkey Day and fostering awareness about the significance of animal welfare, we can contribute to ensuring the enduring positive influence of these remarkable creatures on our planet.