If you have ever spent any time on social media, you have probably seen a video of a donkey doing something absolutely hilarious. Whether it is trying to play with a dog, braying loudly at the mailman, or simply rolling around in the dirt, these animals have a way of making us smile. Often, we see these clips and label the behavior as silly or funny. But here is the secret: those funny moments are actually windows into the soul of one of the most intelligent, emotional, and lovable animals on the planet. We often use the term “stubborn” to describe them, but once you understand the “why” behind the “hee-haw,” you will realize that these funnies are just their way of showing off their incredible personalities. Get ready to see ten donkey funnies that will not only make you laugh but will also make you fall head over heels in love with these amazing creatures.
10+ Donkey Funnies
Image Credit: Pintrest.com
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1. The Uphill Roller: Defying Gravity for Fun
One of the most delightful funny donkey moments caught on video features a famous donkey named Fiona attempting to roll on her back… uphill . Anyone who knows about animals will tell you that rolling is usually a flat-ground activity. Donkeys typically roll to scratch an itch, groom their coats, or just to feel good. But Fiona, in her wisdom, decided that the best spot for a good back scratch was on a steep incline. Watching her little legs kick in the air as she tries to defy gravity is pure comedy gold.
However, this funny sight tells us something important about donkeys. It shows their playful and determined spirit. Fiona isn’t worried about looking silly; she is focused on having a good time. The fact that she attempted this at 15 years young proves that age is just a number when it comes to having a playful heart . This kind of behavior is a reminder that donkeys, despite their reputation for being serious workers, love to let loose and have fun. It is this blend of determination and silliness that makes them so endearing to their human caretakers and fans online.
2. The Screaming Chicken Playmate: When Toys Bring Pure Joy
Imagine buying a new toy for your pet. For most donkeys, a new log or a ball might be exciting, but for one donkey named Milkyway, the ultimate gift was a screaming chicken toy. In a viral video, a donkey is presented with a large, rubber chicken that lets out a ridiculous squeak . The donkey’s reaction is nothing short of magical. He doesn’t just grab it; he gets so excited that he brays with joy, almost as if he is trying to have a conversation with the toy.
The funniest part? The donkey stops his play to go over and give his owner a hug, seemingly saying “thank you” before running back to grab his new friend . This behavior is incredibly dog-like, showing just how affectionate and appreciative donkeys can be. Commenters on the video noted how “well-mannered” he was, proving that these animals have a sense of gratitude and social grace . It is a beautiful reminder that donkeys are sentient beings who can experience pure, unbridled joy from the simplest things, just like we do.
3. The Great Escape Artist: Problem-Solving at Its Finest
There is a classic funny donkey trope: the donkey who refuses to be caught, or the one who somehow opens a gate that was securely latched. While it might be frustrating for the owner at the moment, watching a donkey outsmart humans is genuinely impressive. This isn’t just random luck; it is a display of high intelligence. Studies have shown that donkeys have a logical, flexible approach to problem-solving . If they want to get to a specific patch of grass or back to their best friend, they will assess the situation—like a gate latch—and figure out how to manipulate it.
This behavior is often mistaken for stubbornness, but it is actually a sign of a superior memory and reasoning skills. Donkeys can remember complex routes and solutions to problems for years . So, when you see a video of a donkey calmly pushing a gate open with his nose while looking the camera dead in the eye, you aren’t looking at a troublemaker. You are looking at an animal who has just successfully completed a puzzle, and his calm demeanor suggests he knew he could do it all along. It is this quiet confidence that makes them so fascinating.
4. The Best Friend Bond: Donkeys and Their Unlikely Pals
Some of the funniest and most heartwarming videos online involve donkeys and their “best friends.” Because donkeys are incredibly social animals, they often form strong, faithful bonds with other animals . You might see a video of a donkey grazing peacefully next to a goat, playing chase with a dog, or nuzzling a horse. In fact, donkeys often pick a best friend and spend most of their time with them, grooming each other by softly nibbling on necks and shoulders .
The funny part comes when they are separated from their pals. If their friend is on the other side of a fence, the donkey might pace, vocalize loudly (that funny hee-haw!), or try to find a way to get back to them . This anxiety shows just how deep their emotional bonds run. They are not solitary creatures; they thrive on companionship. Watching a donkey cuddle up with a goat or playfully nip at a horse is a reminder that love and friendship transcend species, and donkeys have huge hearts ready to give and receive it.
5. The Stoic Stander: The “Stubborn” Myth Debunked
We have all seen the meme: a donkey standing in the middle of a trail, refusing to move an inch while a human tugs on a rope. It looks funny, and we call it stubbornness. But this hilarious standoff is actually a perfect example of donkey intelligence. Unlike horses, who might panic and flee from danger, donkeys have a different survival instinct. When they feel threatened or unsure, they prefer to plant their feet and assess the situation before moving .
So, when a funny video shows a donkey refusing to cross a small puddle or walk over a strange-looking shadow, he isn’t being difficult. He is being safe. He is taking a moment to calculate whether that shadow is a threat or if that puddle is too deep . This cautious, thoughtful approach to life is a sign of self-preservation. Once you realize that the donkey is simply saying, “Hold on, let me think about this,” the “funnies” become a lot more respectable. It’s not stubbornness; it’s mindfulness.
6. The Expressive Ears and Vocalizations
Donkeys are masters of communication, and watching them express themselves is often hilarious. Their large ears aren’t just for show; they can rotate like radar dishes to pick up sounds from miles away, helping them communicate with friends across vast deserts . But in a farm setting, those ears tell a story. When a donkey’s ears are pinned back, he might be annoyed. When they are flopping lazily to the side, he is relaxed. When they are perked forward, he is intensely curious.
And then there is the bray. The classic “hee-haw” is actually a complex sound that is unique to each individual donkey, like a fingerprint . It can be loud, obnoxious, and incredibly funny to hear. They make this sound to greet their friends, to call out when they are lonely, or sometimes just because they are excited about food. Watching a donkey take a deep breath, scrunch up his face, and let out a massive, honking bray is a comedic experience that never gets old. It is their way of talking to us and to each other, and it is full of personality.
7. The Curious Gardener: “Helping” with Chores
Anyone who owns a donkey knows that “helping” with yard work is one of their favorite pastimes. Funny videos abound of donkeys following their owners around the garden, “inspecting” the plants, and occasionally nibbling on a sleeve or a hat. They are naturally curious animals who enjoy being involved in the activities around them . If you are painting a fence, the donkey will be there to supervise. If you are digging a hole, he needs to see what is in it.
This behavior stems from their intelligence and their desire for social interaction. They don’t want to be left out of the herd’s activities. Watching a donkey try to “steal” a hammer from a toolbox or gently tug a rake out of someone’s hand is not just funny; it shows that they want to interact and engage with the world around them. They are not just passive pets; they are active participants in daily life, bringing laughter to the most mundane chores.
8. The Therapy Huggers: Gentle Giants
Perhaps the most beautiful “funnies” are not the loudest, but the gentlest. There are countless heartwarming videos of donkeys visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices, where they seem to understand the assignment perfectly. Donkeys like Denver and Dumphy, who visit hospice patients, have a calm and gentle presence that brings smiles to faces in difficult times . While their long faces and fuzzy ears might look funny, their impact is serious.
Donkeys are used in therapy because they are empathetic and not intimidating . They seem to know when to be still and when to offer a soft nuzzle. Patients often find that stroking a donkey reduces stress and eases feelings of loneliness . Seeing a large donkey gently rest his head on the lap of a patient in a wheelchair is a profoundly moving sight. It reminds us that beneath the funny exterior, donkeys have an incredible capacity for emotional connection and can bring comfort and light to humans when they need it most.
9. The Sunbathers and Dust Bathers
If you have ever seen a donkey lying flat out in the sun with his legs stretched out, looking like he has just given up on life, don’t worry—he is just sunbathing. Donkeys love warmth and are well-adapted to hot, dry climates . Watching them find the perfect sunny spot and plop down with a satisfied sigh is hilarious because they look so utterly relaxed and content.
Similarly, watching a donkey take a dust bath is a funny sight. They will find a patch of dry dirt, kneel down, and roll around vigorously, kicking up a massive cloud of dust. While it looks like they are just making a mess, they are actually taking care of their coat and skin. This behavior helps to get rid of parasites and oil and keeps their fur in good condition . So, the next time you see a video of a donkey emerging from a cloud of dust looking like a fuzzy ghost, remember: he is just at the spa.
10. The Loyal Greeter
Finally, one of the most joyful funnies is the “welcome home” video. Donkeys have phenomenal memories and can recognize people, voices, and commands even after years apart . When they see a favorite human approaching, they often can’t contain their excitement. Videos show donkeys running full speed across a field, ears flapping, braying at the top of their lungs just to say hello.
This fierce loyalty is what truly makes people fall in love with them. They are fiercely loyal to those they trust and form deep, lasting bonds . Knowing that behind those funny noises and silly runs is an animal who remembers you, trusts you, and is genuinely happy to see you is a feeling like no other. It is the ultimate proof that donkeys are not just farm animals; they are friends with big, loving hearts.
