A group of donkeys is called a herd, but they may also be called a drove or a pace.
Donkeys have been working alongside humans for thousands of years, and their collective nouns reflect that long, practical partnership, especially the terms tied directly to moving them from place to place.
What Is a Group of Donkeys Called?
The most common and general term is a herd of donkeys. Drove and pace are older, more specific alternates, both closely tied to the working history of donkeys as pack and transport animals.
Where Did the Name Come From?
“Drove” comes directly from droving, the historical practice of moving livestock, including donkeys, over long distances on foot to markets or new grazing land, “drove” simply describes the group being driven. “Pace” likely references the donkey’s characteristically steady, measured walking gait, well-suited to carrying loads consistently over distance rather than the quick bursts of speed seen in horses. “Herd,” by contrast, is the generic, catch-all term applied broadly to hoofed mammals, without any donkey-specific history behind it.
Donkey Facts
- Habitat: Donkeys are found worldwide as domesticated animals, though wild and feral populations persist in arid regions of Africa and parts of the Americas and Australia.
- Social behavior: Donkeys are social animals that form strong bonds, often pairing closely with a single companion, whether another donkey, a horse, or even livestock they’re tasked with guarding.
- Diet: Herbivorous, donkeys graze on grasses, shrubs, and rough vegetation, and are notably efficient at extracting nutrition from poor-quality forage.
- Lifespan: Donkeys typically live 25-30 years, longer than horses on average.
- Distinctive: Donkeys have an exceptional memory and can recognize other donkeys and locations they haven’t encountered in years.
Example Sentences
- A herd of donkeys grazed lazily in the hillside pasture.
- The drove of donkeys carried supplies steadily along the mountain trail.
Other Names for a Group of Donkeys
Donkeys are also called a drove or a pace, both rooted in their long history as working animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a group of donkeys called?
A group of donkeys is called a herd, drove, or pace.
Why are donkeys called a “drove”?
The term comes from droving, the historical practice of moving livestock, including donkeys, over long distances on foot.
How long do donkeys live?
Donkeys typically live 25-30 years, generally longer than horses.
Do donkeys form close bonds?
Yes, donkeys often form strong, lasting bonds with a single companion animal, whether another donkey, a horse, or livestock.
Related: Collective Nouns for Mammals