Results: Donkey Nannies
Published on 04/29/2025
An integral part of Italy's agricultural heritage is Transhumance, a 10-20 day journey during which shepherds and drovers guide their flocks and herds of 1000-1500 cows, sheep, and donkeys along migration paths from one grazing area to another. Although adult sheep can make the trek by foot, newborn lambs are carried in pockets of specially designed saddles on the backs of mule and donkey nannies.
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
Frequent stops occur along the way, allowing the lambs to get nourishment, and the chance to snuggle with their mothers. Do you think the ewes try to stay close to the donkeys carrying their babies?
Yes
60%
1259 votes
I don't think they care.
18%
368 votes
N/A
23%
473 votes
2.
2.
Conservation efforts are made to preserve the "tratturi" routes (migration paths), but the terrain is varied and rough. What would you personally find to be the 3 most challenging aspects of being a drover for Transhumance?
Herding the livestock
33%
700 votes
Getting permits to cross highways and go through towns
19%
409 votes
Dealing with extreme weather
44%
915 votes
Finding water sources
31%
649 votes
Locating adequate shelter
28%
594 votes
Lack of sleep
20%
424 votes
N/A
30%
620 votes
3.
3.
This ancient custom of moving herds between mountain pastures and lower plains, passed down through generations, has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). What do you think of this agricultural process?
Other
1%
24 votes
It gets the job done.
15%
308 votes
I'm indifferent.
8%
161 votes
There has to be an easier way.
7%
143 votes
N/A
25%
526 votes
I appreciate the tradition and cultural aspect.
45%
938 votes
4.
4.
Have you ever ridden on a donkey?
Yes, I have ridden on a donkey.
11%
229 votes
I'm unsure. It might have been a mule or burro.
10%
213 votes
No
60%
1255 votes
N/A
19%
403 votes
5.
5.
Have you ever petted a lamb?
Yes
48%
1001 votes
No
33%
683 votes
N/A
20%
416 votes
COMMENTS