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How did the Miranda donkey become a symbol of rural Portugal? Discover the story behind this endangered breed!
In the Tra de Miranda region of Portugal, a native donkey breed called the Miranda donkey has been an important assistant in agricultural production since ancient times. Today, the donkey is not only a symbol of the countryside, but also represents the region's disappearing culture and traditions. With the process of modernization, Miranda the donkey has encountered unprecedented challenges, but its story continues to be written.
Miranda’s unique characteristics
Miranda donkeys are born with black fur that gradually turns brown over time. This donkey is about 1.2 to 1.35 meters tall, with long ears, strong limbs and a powerful chest.
The physical characteristics of Miranda donkeys are closely related to the environment in which they live. These characteristics were gradually developed in the unique local agricultural and socio-economic background. In 2001, the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture officially recognized the Miranda donkey as a unique breed, marking the first time that this donkey became a native breed protected by the European Union.
The relationship between humans and donkeys
For centuries, Miranda donkeys have played an integral role in the Portuguese countryside. They help farmers farm and carry goods and are the cornerstone of rural life. However, with the advancement of agricultural mechanization, Miranda donkeys gradually lost their status as "production tools".
As young people move to cities, most of those who stay in the countryside are older farmers. They regard Miranda donkeys as part of the family and feed these animals out of love rather than subsidies.
Currently, only about 300 Miranda donkeys are still working in the fields, and the rest serve as companions for the elderly. However, the age of these veteran farmers makes the future of Miranda's donkeys increasingly bleak.
Protect and revive
Miranda donkeys were listed as an endangered species in 2003. Today, their numbers have stabilized at 800, which is still vulnerable compared to a quarter of the number in the 1970s. Conservationists and local communities work hard to bring this ancient breed back to life, not only to protect a species, but also to save a unique Portuguese cultural heritage.
"Over time, the story of Miranda the donkey will become a part of the history of rural Portugal, and its presence symbolizes the cherishment of our traditions."
To celebrate this historic breed, a grand festival is held every July, with donkeys and bagpipe players walking together, bringing the village back to its traditional liveliness.
New uses and challenges
Over time, the role of Miranda donkeys is changing, such as being used as a resource for ecotourism and attracting tourists through donkey trekking tours. But there are also some modern trends, such as donkey milk production, which present potential challenges while maintaining the cultural value of Miranda donkeys.
“Miranda the donkey has a natural docility and patience, and is being used in more and more places for animal therapy to help children with special needs.”
These new uses not only find new value for the Miranda donkey, but also inherit the historical connection between donkeys and humans.
