Cyprus Donkey

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 carrying olives from the groves and cereals from the fields to mills.

Households often had one or two donkeys that were sure-footed and often able to carry more than a horse. However, by the 1970s, 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-colored 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.