Question 1

Are there any ability restrictions for your activities?

Accepted Answer

Our donkeys are used to strollers, wheelchairs, and other assistance devices. We are happy to modify our donkey experience to suit your group’s ability and/or activity level.

Question 2

Can I feed the donkeys treats?

Accepted Answer

We do not allow visitors to feed our donkeys. This is for the safety of visitors and for the health of our donkeys. Furthermore, donkeys are extremely smart and we don’t want them to learn bad manners or to “mug” our guests for food. We prefer you show your affection through ear rubs and butt-scratches.

Question 3

Are visitors allowed to ride the donkeys?

Accepted Answer

No riding of donkeys is allowed for liability reasons. Also, our donkeys are either miniature donkeys or smaller standard-size donkeys that generally shouldn’t carry the weight beyond that of a small child.

Question 4

Do you offer Beverage Burros for weddings and/or events?

Accepted Answer

While we offer a donkey kissing booth for many events and parties, we do not provide donkeys for weddings, or beverage burros for any occasion. There are several wonderful beverage burro providers in the greater Phoenix area that we can happily recommend.

Question 5

What’s the difference between a donkey and a burro?

Accepted Answer

Technically, there is no difference between a donkey and a burro. They are both the same species; Equus asinus. However, in the Southwestern United States the term “burro” is often used to refer to wild donkeys, while the term “donkey” is often used for domestic ones. “Burro” is also the Spanish word for “donkey”. At Desert Donkey Experiences, we often use both terms interchangeably.

Question 6

What is the difference between a donkey/burro and a horse or mule?

Accepted Answer

Donkeys/burros are a distinctly separate species from horses. Mules, however, are a cross between a donkey dad (jack) and a horse mom (mare). If the mother is a donkey (jenny/jennet) and the father is a horse (stallion), the offspring is called a hinny.

Question 7

Is it true that donkeys are stubborn?

Accepted Answer

While many donkeys can indeed be stubborn, most of what is attributed to stubbornness is actually self-preservation. For example, donkeys cannot be easily pressured into situations that they find suspicious or potentially dangerous. We find that once they trust their handler, they are very willing and cooperative animals.

Question 8

Are you a donkey rescue/sanctuary?

Accepted Answer

No, we are not a donkey rescue. If you are looking for a donkey-specific rescue to support, adopt from, or surrender a donkey to, we would love to help educate you on what to look for in a quality rescue and also red flags to be aware of. Please contact us if you have specific questions.

Question 9

How easy or difficult is it to care for donkeys?

Accepted Answer

Donkeys are incredibly smart and fun animals, but they do require educated and committed owners. If you are considering owning donkeys, we regularly offer “Introduction to Donkey Ownership” classes that cover everything potential owners need to know before obtaining donkeys.

Question 10

I own a donkey, but I need advice on care, feeding, vet-care, training, etc?  Do you offer consulting services?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Contact us for specifics on private consultations, upcoming educational classes, and training options.

FAQs