28/08/2026
🫏🐧 DID YOU KNOW? THE JACKASS CONNECTION! 🐧🫏
Did you know that the proper term for an adult male donkey is a JACKASS? 😂
It’s actually quite simple:
A male donkey is called a JACK, and the traditional name for a donkey is an ASS — put them together and you get JACKASS!
But here’s where it gets really interesting…
🐧 The African Penguin is sometimes nicknamed the “JACKASS PENGUIN”!
Why?
Because the loud, braying call of an African Penguin sounds remarkably similar to the braying of a donkey! 🎶🫏🐧
So, if you hear a strange donkey-like sound coming from our penguin area at Tenikwa… don’t go looking for a donkey — it might just be one of our penguins having something to say! 😆
🫏 WHY DO DONKEYS BRAY?
Donkeys have plenty to say too!
🔊 Communication – They call to locate and communicate with other donkeys, even over long distances.
👋 Greetings – Sometimes a bray is simply a very enthusiastic “HELLO!”
🥕 Demands – “Where is my breakfast?” “Is it feeding time yet?” “I would like attention NOW, please!” 😂
⚠️ Warnings – Bray loudly to alert others to danger and can use vocalisations as part of defending their space.
❤️ Emotions – Donkeys may bray when excited, stressed or lonely.
🐧 AND WHAT ABOUT OUR AFRICAN PENGUINS?
Their loud braying call has an important purpose too.
❤️ Finding a mate – During breeding season, a single adult may use a loud braying call as part of its courtship display to attract a partner.
🏠 Defending their territory – A loud call can warn neighbouring penguins to keep away from a nesting site.
🔎 Finding their partner – Mated penguins use distinctive calls to locate one another in a busy colony, especially when one returns from the ocean.
And here's another amazing fact…
Each African Penguin has its own distinctive voice! Their calls can help individuals recognise one another — rather like having your own unique voice in a very noisy neighbourhood.
So there you have it…
🫏 JACK + ASS = JACKASS
🐧 DONKEY-LIKE BRAY = “JACKASS PENGUIN”
And here at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation & Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay, you can meet BOTH! ❤️
Come and learn more about our African Penguins and our miniature donkeys — and discover just how much these two very different animals have in common!
[email protected]
🌿 Come with an open mind.
Tread with a lighter step.
Leave with a change of heart.
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