All male donkeys in the sanctuary are castrated. Why? Because there’s a lot of inbreeding on the island and we try to avoid having weak babies. 

When a female donkey is ready to stand for the stallion, she is in use. When the male donkey approaches the mare, she will show this by champing (opening and shutting her mouth and laying her ears back), urinating and holding her tail up. Most mares will be in use for 5-7 days.

When a donkey is pregnant, her gestation period is between 11-13 months.

When a baby donkey is born, his sharp hoof is protected by a rubbery substance which peels off within hours of birth. 

Right after giving birth the mare is very fertile.

She returns after a couple of weeks, when the young animal is stronger. Because leaving the group in the sanctuary is not possible, we separate mother and child.  

Donkeys have a birth weight of approximately 25 kilograms (55lbs.). 

The shoulder height is about 60 centimeters (24 inches) when born.