News Animals

DNA reveals donkeys were domesticated 7,000 years ago in East Africa

When and where the animals became beasts of burden has been a long-standing mystery

a mother and baby donkey with dark brown fur stand in a field with trees in the background

DNA from ancient and living donkeys, such as these in Portugal, has revealed when and where the animals were domesticated.

Claudia Costa, AEPGA

By Freda Kreier

- More than 2 years ago

From pulling Mesopotamian war chariots to grinding grain in the Middle Ages, donkeys have carried civilization on their backs for centuries.