Farm Mystery: Donkey’s Ingenious Pen Escape Trick
I reckon we don’t give animals enough credit for their smarts. Every single day on this gig, I witness animals showing off their brains, wit, and pure creativity. (Sure, I also witness some silly, clumsy, and sometimes clueless moments, but hey, stick around with me here.) One farmer caught wind that someone kept setting his old donkey free from his pen, so he decided to set up a camera to catch the culprit in action—and what he discovered was quite the shocker.
Nicholas the Donkey is a wise twenty-seven-year-old, and throughout his long life, he’s picked up a few tricks, including how to undo the chain securing his pen in the barn. “A taste of freedom beats old man grain any day,” notes the farmer in a video revealing just how Nicholas carefully and methodically unfastens the chain barricading his gate shut. Once he’s done, the door swings open, and off dashes Nicholas. And wouldn’t you know it, as soon as he’s out, his two-year-old donkey pals sneak into his pen to snag some of his favorite treats.
Seems like a win-win… well, except for the farmer who now has to chase Nicholas down and bring him back home, all while dealing with the dietary escapades happening in that barn. Maybe it’s time to consider investing in a combo lock, but who knows what other skills that old donkey has up his sleeve?
“My uncle had one just like that,” shares a commenter, proving that escape artist donkeys are not all that uncommon. “Never knew where he’d turn up next.”
Donkeys and Intelligence
If there’s one thing donkeys are known for, it’s their stubbornness. But think about it—animals that obstinate must be putting some thought into the tasks they’re asked to do in order to refuse them. Donkeys are actually super bright creatures, capable of learning complex tasks, routines, and showcasing problem-solving skills on par with other intelligent animals like dogs or dolphins.
Donkeys and Social Life
Donkeys, much like most herd animals, thrive on social interaction. They love being around their own kind, or if there are no other donkeys around, they’ll happily befriend horses, cows, or anyone else. Donkeys can make fantastic pets and companions on small farms.
We don’t know if Nicholas and his young buddies are usually close pals, but with all the snack-sharing going on, it’s safe to say they’re pretty fond of him. “He’s definitely earned his time in the pasture with that trick,” declares one observer, and the farmer good-naturedly agrees. “We’re pretty sure he fancies himself as a mule,” they add.
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