Havertz's favourite animal can live for up to 50: Why donkeys are actually super cool
Kai Havertz is not an average 21-year-old - after all, most people that age don't play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and are not called one of the greatest footballing talents of this generation.
He is also not an average 21-year-old in his choice of favourite animal: "It's funny, I loved donkeys as a kid very much, I think since my first year it was always my favourite animal," Havertz told Chelseafc.com.
"So it was always a dream for me to have one some day. And now it's a good opportunity to help donkeys that are from the circus or things like that. It will be a big project for me in the next years. I try to do my best to help animals lead a better life."
His family rescued a donkey from slaughter at a young age, the memory stuck, and now Havertz is adamant on protecting their welfare.
While donkeys are not usually everyone's favourite animals and are associated with being 'dumb', here are some cool facts about them that make Havertz's choice very justifiable (facts taken from Animal Aid Abroad).
- Healthy donkeys can live well into their 50s.
- Donkeys can see all four of their feet at the same time!
- A blind donkey will often bond with a seeing donkey who will act as their guide.
- They are a very calming influence on other animals.
- A donkey's bray can carry up to 60 miles in the desert!
- They have been used as a working-class animal for over 5000 years and they are still a lifeline to families in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
- Their fur isn't waterproof so they don't like to stay out in the rain for a long time.
- Donkeys are actually quite clever with a keen sense of curiosity - they also consider the danger of a situation before undertaking a task and will be reluctant to do anything that they deem unsafe.
- Donkeys have incredibly efficient digestive systems, utilising 95% of what they eat!
If you were unaware before, you know now - donkeys are quite intelligent creatures indeed!
