Wild Ass lives in one of the harshest environments on the earth, the drier places of North Africa. Yet, in spite of hostile conditions, She thrives there. Eating food that other animals cannot digest, Wild Ass obtains moisture from the plants. Able to travel great distances in search of food, Wild Ass ranges from Somalia and Eritrea to the Nile River of Egypt.
Living a solitary life, Wild Ass will sometimes join a small band for protection. In these bands, Everyone is equal. At other times, She follows other Wild Asses, at random, in search of food. Her hard life has made Wild Ass wary of new things. Her stubbornness and irascible temper keep Wild Ass safe from predators in the desert.
Like Horse, Wild Ass has a long association with people. When people domesticated Wild Ass, She became an important part of their lives. Wild Ass took on a new name “Donkey”. What people consider as “Wild” Asses are Donkeys that have gone feral. Abandoned in the American West after the Gold Rush Days, Burros (Feral Donkeys) now live in Death Valley, one of the harshest areas in North America.
In Ancient Egypt, Donkey was a status symbol. Adapted for desert travel, Donkey carried trade goods from Egypt to other places in the Near East. Since Jenny’s milk (Female Donkey) was richer in protein and sugar, She could provide sustenance to the Egyptians as well.
Many Christians thought well of Donkey, also. She carried Christ on her back for his entry into Jerusalem, and carried the Holy Family on their flight into Egypt. As a reward for her service, Donkey was given the image of the Cross to wear on her back and shoulders as a reward for her service.
Donkey’s bad reputation came from Greek and Roman associations with Dionysus (Bacchus), the God of Wine. To them, Donkey represented drunkenness. Meanwhile in India, Hindus thought of Donkey as a malevolent creature. According to Hindu legends, the Demon Ravana drove an ass-drawn chariot when he abducted Sita, the wife of Rama.
Donkey and Wild Ass have many conflicting associations among people. Although Ancient Egyptians thought highly of Donkey, Wild Ass was their symbol of desolation and wariness. Among Christians, Donkey was honored with the nickname “Christ Bearer”. But Wild Ass represented the moral lassitude of lapsed believers.
Donkey and Wild Ass teach people to use caution in all things. Since people have conflicting ideas about Wild Ass, they approach Her with wariness. Donkey teaches that before you rush head long into something, remember to approach with caution. If you don’t, you may get kicked.
Conservation Note: Wild Ass is endangered in Asia and Africa.
Note: Wild Ass is found only in Asia and Africa. Burros and “Wild” Donkeys are Domestic Donkeys gone wild.
Va. Carper
March 5, 2004