Cyprus Donkey

The Wild Donkeys undoubtedly have a special place among the fauna of North Cyprus.

Descended from the African wild ass, donkeys were domesticated around 4,000 BC. Traditionally, donkeys played an important role in agriculture on the Karpaz Peninsula to carry olives from the groves and cereals from the fields to mills.

Households often had one or two donkeys which were sure-footed and often able to carry more than a horse. However by the 1970’s, tractors and trucks began to replace these donkeys which were abandoned and left to fend for themselves.

All stray donkeys across the island were subsequently rounded up and taken to the Karpaz, and despite farmers installing fences to protect their crops many donkeys have escaped into the wider area which is the protected National Park.

There are two principal strains – a large dark-coloured type with a pale belly, probably of European origin and a small grey African type.

These hardworking, faithful, reliable and docile creatures with strikingly beautiful eyes are a must see for island sightseers.

Visitors to the area will be able to feed these mostly friendly mammals with carrots or carobs with an opportunity to take a selfie for the courageous.