World Donkey Day: what it is, when and how to celebrate it

World Donkey Day: what it is, when and how to celebrate it

World Donkey Day honours one of the most resilient animals of the equine family. It has tenaciously served the world throughout history as a draft horse, enduring some of the most challenging terrains and unfavourable climates. Naturally, these creatures' success is down to their stubbornness. Learn more about World Donkey Day and how to mark it.

A donkey near Kato Meria (L) and a donkey and foal at Custer State Park, South Dakota (R)
Every year on 8 May, people worldwide celebrate World Donkey Day. Photo: Atlantide Phototravel, Layne Kennedy (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

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Every year on 8 May, people worldwide celebrate World Donkey Day. This day is devoted to honouring and highlighting the donkey's great qualities. The donkey has served humans well for a very long time. They are known for their perseverance and tenacity.

What is World Donkey Day?

World Donkey Day is a holiday that celebrates the donkey's unique appeal and persevering demeanour. Donkeys walk for kilometres, carrying loads, pulling carts, and running mills long after other animals would have given up. As a result, they hold a special place in many people's hearts.

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When is World Donkey Day celebrated?

World Donkey Day is celebrated on 8 May annually. It is a day to celebrate and learn the importance of donkeys in our lives. They are celebrated for their strength and resilience as they serve the human society. Therefore, wishing these amazing animals a happy World Donkey Day is essential.

World Donkey Day history

World Donkey Day was established in 2018 to celebrate and recognise donkeys' contributions to human society. Raziq Ark, a biologist whose main area of expertise is desert animals, first proposed it.

About 10 years ago, he discovered that no one appreciated the donkey’s contributions to improving people's lives. Eventually, in 2018, the concept of establishing a World Donkey Day surfaced, and we have been commemorating it ever since.

World Donkey Day significance

The donkey lays its head on a stone on a sunny day
World Donkey Day aims to increase awareness about the significance of donkeys for human welfare. Photo: Dmitri Zelenevski (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

World Donkey Day's primary purpose is to raise awareness of donkeys and their importance to human welfare. The proper treatment of these amazing animals is another goal of the day.

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By celebrating World Donkey Day and bringing attention to the value of animal care, humans can contribute to ensuring that these amazing animals have a beneficial influence on our planet for many years.

How to celebrate World Donkey Day

People show their love for donkeys differently on World Donkey Day, such as by riding or providing the finest care and attention possible. It is common for celebrations of the day to be individualised. Here are a few World Donkey Day activities to engage in.

1. Donkey riding

It is a fantastic approach to discovering more about donkeys' features and enjoying a smooth ride. Many years ago, donkeys were a practical form of transportation. Taking a ride will provide you with further insight into their past.

2. Charity donation

Many NGOs and organisations take care of their food and well-being. They need money to care for as many donkeys as they can. Your donation will enable them to provide the animals with better care.

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3. Donkey rights awareness promotion

Speak up for donkeys and stand up to those who mistreat them to demonstrate your love and support for them. You can raise awareness of the problems that donkeys experience, such as habitat loss, abuse, and exploitation.

You can also plan public demonstrations, petition drives, and social media campaigns to raise donkey awareness. You can use your social media platform to:

  • Organise online fundraising events to help donkey sanctuaries and environmental initiatives.
  • Make captivating videos that highlight the emotional and cognitive abilities of donkeys.
  • Encourage your followers to learn more about the donkey’s well-being.

Is there an International Donkey Day?

A donkey carrying luggage on its back
International Donkey Day is celebrated on 8 May annually. Photo: Wirestock (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

International Donkey Day is celebrated on 8 May each year to recognise the existence and impact of donkeys in human society. Donkeys are the most workaholic animals remembered on this day.

Who is the founder of World Donkey Day?

Ark Raziq, a scientist who studies desert animals, founded World Donkey Day in 2018 to raise awareness of donkeys and their impact on human life.

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What is the meaning of Donkey Day?

World Donkey Day celebrates the invaluable contributions of donkeys worldwide, their lives, and their impact on human society. It shows respect for their resilient and enduring nature and offers a chance to spread awareness about donkey welfare and conservation worldwide.

What is Donkey Month?

May is considered the donkey month when people celebrate the significance of donkeys in their lives. 8 May is the day set aside to celebrate donkeys worldwide.

Donkeys are beautiful creatures that have played an essential part in human history. By celebrating World Donkey Day, humans can contribute to ensuring that these amazing animals positively impact their planet for many years.

Legit.ng recently published an article about Easter in 2024. Easter Sunday is a day Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, which occurs 40 days following Lent. It is regarded as the most significant and holy day of the Christian calendar and is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

For Christians worldwide, Easter Sunday is a day of joy and celebration. Many attend church, where they hear speeches on Jesus' resurrection and sing hymns. Several churches also host unique activities like morning services or Easter egg hunts to honour the holiday.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Isaac Wangethi avatar

Isaac Wangethi (Lifestyle writer) Isaac Wangethi has been a content writer at Legit since September 2021. He has gained valuable experience working on various projects, such as celebrity biographies, lifestyle, news and many more. Isaac won the Writer of the Year Award on Legit in 2023. He earned a Bsc. of Science in Information Technology in 2017 from the University of Nairobi and a Higher Diploma in Computer Software Engineering from Gretsa University in 2021. In 2023, Isaac finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. In March 2024, he completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: Wangethin@gmail.com