A Donkey in the City

At the heart of bustling Cairo, a megacity of over 20 million people, it is amusing to see donkeys blending in with the traffic or stationed on some street corners tied to carts selling goods - fruits (like this photo I took yesterday on the way back to the hotel from the office), vegetables, sometimes wooden baskets or earthen jars. What they sell are often inexpensive, especially when converted to dollars or euros, usually in the range of 5  to15 L.E (about $1-$2 USD). I have seen many donkeys selling watermelons - a fruit highly recommended during Ramadan to keep the body hydrated.

It's another weekend here , my fourth since I arrived in Cairo at the end of June to assume the  post, ad interim, of Deputy Regional Director, while awaiting the appointment of someone. While the work is busy and very challenging, I take a little bit of time from my weekends to capture some of my observations about daily life here. It comes easy and naturally, with my sociology background. Yesterday was TGIT, the equivalent of  the American TGIF. Given that the weekend in Islamic countries like Egypt is Friday Saturday, Thank God its Thursday simply gives a special feeling of relief, knowing that the next day allows you to sleep longer, take it easy, and catch up with one's self, and even blog! Writing lightheartedly about these observations, does not erase the daily images I see of the crisis going on in the region and how they impact on our work and the lives of people, but italso gives me an added perspective about how life goes on in this world, no matter what.....

Yesterday, it was the donkey that caught my attention, so I decided to do a little research about this creature. To my surprise, I learned so much and was totally amused!

"Wikipedia describes the donkey or ass as a domesticated member of the horse family, The wild ancestor of the donkey is the African wild ass, The donkey has been used as a working animal for at least 5000 years. There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world, mostly in developing countries, where they are used principally as draught or pack animals. Working donkeys are often associated with those living at or below subsistence levels. Small numbers of donkeys are kept for breeding or as pets in developed countries.

A male donkey or ass is called a jack, a female a jenny or jennet; a young donkey is a foal. Jack donkeys are often used to produce mules." The donkey is a herbivorous animal and the smallest member of the horse family.

  

Donkeys have large ears, which may pick up more distant sounds, and may help cool the donkey's blood. They can defend themselves by biting, striking with the front hooves or kicking with the hind legs. Donkeys have a notorious reputation for stubbornness, but this has been attributed to a much stronger sense of "self preservation" than exhibited by horses. Likely based on a stronger prey instinct and a weaker connection with man, it is considerably more difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something it perceives to be dangerous for whatever reason. Once a person has earned their confidence they enjoy the company of people and are often very dependable in work. I have truly observed this relationship between donkeys I have seen here - either with their "masters" or with some kids that tend to be playful with them. Actually, animal behaviour scientists say that donkeys need companions or they will become depressed! The donkey's favorite pastime is rolling.

The donkey has also shown time and time again how wonderful it is with children and handicapped people. In some countries, for instance in  England, the donkey is used extensively in riding and animal companion programs for the physically and mentally handicapped. Their small stature, slow and thoughtful nature and affectionate disposition make them ideal for this purpose when properly selected and trained.

While domesticated asses are increasing in numbers, the African wild ass have become endangered. Donkeys vary considerably in size, depending on breed and management. Donkeys can live for 25 to 35 years of age. However, donkeys in developing countries seldom live over 10 years perhaps because of their poor living conditions and environment.

In Egypt, they say that donkeys and mules do not play an important part in religious iconography, and because they are not symbols of high status, they are not so often depicted in art. 

Although a bit outdated, a 2006 report claimed there are about 41 million donkeys worldwide at that time. China has the most with 11 million, followed by Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Mexico. Some researchers believe the actual number is somewhat higher since many donkeys go uncounted.

  

I found out George Washington owned the first donkeys born in the United States.

Although nothing compares with and beats my love for daughter Sheila's dog (hence my grandpuppy, Chuleta, a 3 year old shit-zuu), I now, with this added knowledge about donkeys, have new perceptions about this lowly animal and am including it in my list of great, lovable animals in the world. They are quiet, friendly, hardworking and reliable!

If I was fully conversant in Arabic, I would (and should) have interviewed the owner/master of the donkey to get his views on life. I can still do that next time. It should give me more insights about the life of the most ordinary folks in Egypt.

On a side note, you may see my article about Chuleta on unconditional love in one of my future blogs! 

 (Post Script: I have titled my blog series, Of Life and Leisure, by choice, so you will not find me blogging about work itself or making commentaries about some of the stark and disturbing realities in many parts of the globe.  There is a place and a time for such serious matters. For now, hope you find these short human interest blogs worthy of your reading pleasure. Thanks for all the likes my series has received so far. I am humbly and pleasantly surprised. I got into blogging, encouraged by my niece Bong, just to have an outlet for my writing energy and observant mind. To know that people read- and like- them is so encouraging. Shoukran! )