Animal Facts:
The African wild asses are the ancestors of all modern domesticated donkeys.
They live in a flexible social system. Some wild asses are solitary, while others live, temporarily or permanently, in herds of up to fifty members that can be made up of females only, males only or both sexes. Generally, though, younger males join bachelor groups, while females and their foals form separate herds.
This is also why male wild asses can often be seen near water sources, as this is one way they can ensure to meet the females who pass through their territory.
If necessary, wild asses can live a few days without water, as they can absorb some through their food, which consists of grass, herbs, bark and leaves – thus being perfectly adapted to the rocky, dry deserts or semi-deserts they live in.
A wild ass can sustain water loss of up to 30% of its body weight, which can be replenished within a few minutes once they find a source of water.
Because temperatures usually rise very high during the day, wild asses are most active between dusk and dawn and rest in the shade by day.
To cool down, the wild ass radiates excess heat through its large ears like their domestic cousins, the donkeys.
And the same as donkeys, they also share the tendency not to bolt when threatened. The asses’ first reaction is to freeze and to find the source of the threat. This habit led to wild asses’ reputation for being stubborn. But in reality, this tendency is simply their way of finding out what’s wrong and why, and it has the benefit of saving energy.
If the threat turns out to be a predator, the asses’ next step is to either flee or to defend themselves by kicking out with their hind and front legs. Their kicks are so powerful that they can easily break bones.
Males also use their powerful kicks when fighting with each other.
Wild asses are territorial and defend areas of up to fifteen square miles, which they mark with their dung. But because that’s a lot of terrain, they usually tolerate the presence of subordinate males, as long as those accept their status and don’t approach females to mate with them.
Wild asses do not have a fixed breeding season, but they prefer the rainy season. Gestation lasts for about a year, after which the female gives birth to a single foal that can stand up and nurse a mere thirty minutes after being born.
To communicate, wild asses use vocalisations, visual signals, smells and physical contact. But they are probably best known for braying, which can be heard up to three kilometres away, with the males being loudest during the mating season.
The main thread to wild asses is not lions, leopards or hyenas. The main threat is humans, who are not only responsible for habitat loss but who also endanger wild asses by interbreeding them with domestic donkeys. Today there are only a few hundred wild asses left, which makes them critically endangered.
Some spiritual meanings:
The wild asses’ legendary stubbornness is, in reality, a sign of brains coupled with vigilance.
Wild ass people are intelligent and know how to use their wit to their advantage.
If you’re ever in doubt about how to proceed, simply stop and re-evaluate the situation before moving forward.
The wild ass can survive in barren landscapes.
You are effective and able to thrive even if you have few resources at your disposal.
The asses’ ears are funnel-like, which means they can hear sounds over great distances.
Wild ass people are usually good listeners.
Can you hear what others can’t? Do you hear all that’s been left unsaid?
Also, are you tuned in to your inner voice?
Or do you let other people make choices for you? Do you listen to them more than to yourself?
Clairaudience might be your dominant clair sense.
Its careful evaluation of its surroundings can make the wild ass slow to react. But when it does, it shows great courage.
Are you too set in your ways and routines? Do you tend to weigh something up for too long before deciding what to do?
Or do you embrace the changes coming your way?
Wild asses do not shy away easily.
Humans who share this trait are often burdened by too many responsibilities.
Does this sound like you? Do people take advantage of your helpful nature?
Say no to others when you have to and stand your ground.
The braying of the wild ass is loud.
Invoke the help of this spirit animal when you need to be heard.
If you want to read up on more spirit animals or want to learn more about spiritual topics in general, pick up a copy of my book “Willow and Strix – A spiritual journey” ©, available as a paperback or ebook (free for kindle unlimited users) US – UK – DE and in other countries
A. Wakan's Spirit Animals 