Size	Average height is 4-5 feet at the shoulder, can be over 6 feet tall when measured to ear tips.
Weight	Average weight is 750-950 lbs.
Conservation Status	Classified as critically endangered by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Approximately 450 purebred donkeys remain worldwide.
Diet	Poitou donkeys are herbivores; they enjoy grazing on pasture grass and are commonly maintained on grass hay. At the Zoo, the donkeys will be offered timothy grass hay. The animals will also receive a vitamin E supplement 1X each week and have access to a trace mineral salt lick. Vitamin E is known to decline stored hay over time; the vitamin E supplement ensures the animals ingest enough of this nutrient to meet their needs.
Geographic Range	This domestic breed was first developed in Europe but can now be found in many other areas of the world.
Where to find me in the Zoo	Pachyderm House

The Poitou donkey (pronouced "pwah-two")  is considered to be one of the oldest purebred donkey breeds. There are historical records that mention this breed as early as 1700 and there is some evidence that Romans introduced mule breeding using "giant donkeys" to the French Poitou region, where the breed gets its name. The offical name of the Poitou donkey is the Baudet de Poitou. This breed was developed for the sole purpose of mule production which involves breeding male Poitou donkeys with female horses. It was believed by breeders that the Poitou donkey produced superior work mules. The Poitou is easily recognized and distinguishable from other donkeys for its size and long shaggy coat. The Poitou donkey is dark brown or black and lacks the leg stripes and cross marking on the back found in other donkey breeds. They have a white underbelly and muzzle.  The build of these donkeys is heavy like draft horses. They have a massive bone structure, large heads, thick legs and large feet.  With the advent of motorized vehicles, the demand for large mules declined which resulted in the Poitou's near extinction. If not for the intervention of the French Government and breeders interested in preserving rare breeds, the Poitou would have been lost for good.

Longevity

Average is 25-35 years but some donkeys have been documented to live to 50 years of age.

Behavior

Donkeys in general have a reputation for being stubborn but this may be a misinterpretation of the more cautious and thoughtful nature of donkeys as compared to horses. Although they are closely related, they are different species and have different behavioral repertoires. Horses are more flight oriented and will run away from something that startles them while donkeys are more likely assess a situation and hide to avoid predators or fight off a threat. Donkeys do not form large herds like horses do and more likely to be found in pairs where they can take advantage of camouflage to avoid predators. They are also employed as livestock guards (just like dogs are sometimes used) because of their tendancy to stand and defend themselves rather than fleeing like horses do. Donkey behavior can be interpreted by observing their body and ear posture. If a donkey has his head, ears and tail held in a relaxed posture, they are friendly and curious. A donkey holding it's head up, ears stiff and upright is wary and assessing the situation. A frightened donkey will put its ears back and hold its tail tightly between its legs. Poitou donkeys in general are known for their docile and easy going nature.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is attained between 1-2 years of age. There is a breeding season but it is less predictable than that of horses. The estrus cycle lasts anywhere from 20-40 days with the heat period lasting 6-9 days. Gestation is 372-374 days.