Donkeys have been around for thousands of years and even had an important role in the Bible. Despite all the things you might have heard about donkeys, they are actually very smart, even when compared to horses which are one of their closest relatives.

To learn more about these precious little creatures, check out these 20 adorable pictures and the facts about donkeys that go with them.

1. Donkeys are stronger than a horse that is the same size. You also can’t force a donkey to follow your command. They have to choose to do the task you give them.

2. All donkeys living in the United Kingdom must have a passport so they can be easily identified and transported internationally without hassle.

3. A donkey has a longer lifespan than a horse and can live for 40 years or more, a decade more than the average horse.

4. China has the highest donkey population in the world. There are some 11 million donkeys in China alone compared to 31 million who are scattered around the rest of the world.

5. A domestic donkey can way up to 500 pounds, but a mammoth jackstock donkey is the largest donkey breed and can weight up to 950 pounds!

6. A donkey has larger ears than a horse which they use to help keep themselves cool, but they can also hear another donkey as far as 60 miles away.

7. The offspring of a female donkey and male horse is called a hinny, and a baby of a male donkey and a female horse is called a mule.

8. Donkeys typically only give birth to one foal at a time and twins are very rare. A female donkey is pregnant for 365 days before giving birth.

9. Male mules are sterile animals, but a female mule can mate with other horses and donkeys resulting in a hule or donkule, respectively.

10. Donkeys are herd animals and hate to be left alone. If none of their own species are around, they’ll befriend a herd of goats.

11. The average donkey bray (cry) lasts about 20 seconds and can be heard from nearly two miles away.

12. Donkeys eat about five percent of their body weight each day, but are prone to overeating. Their diet consists mostly of straw and hay.

13. Donkeys clean each other just like monkeys do including cleaning each others fur of dirt and insects.

14. Donkeys originated in the Middle East and Africa and can survive harsh desert climates. They are considered all-terrain animals.

15. All donkeys have a leader, even domestic donkeys. The leader is usually the strongest of the pack and will protect the herd when they are faced with a predator allowing the other donkeys to escape.

16. Donkeys have an amazing memory and can remember their fellow donkeys and places they’ve been for the past 25 years.

17. If a donkey feels unsafe while traveling they will stop in their tracks and dig in their heels to keep from moving. This behavior is often seen as being stubborn to those who underestimate the intelligence of a donkey.

18. Donkeys have the lowest water requirement out of all animals except camels. They won’t, however, drink water that they think is dirty.

19. Donkeys played a vital role in World War I where they transported soldiers, weapons, ammunition, and food for the British.

20. Farmers use donkeys to protect their livestock. Donkeys are naturally aggressive to predators such as dogs and coyotes and are often used to protect goats, sheep, and calves.

If these adorable babies brought a smile to your face be sure to share them with your friends.