donkey, mule

Definition

A donkey is a four-legged work animal, similar to a horse, but smaller and with longer ears.

A mule is the sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
Mules are very strong animals and so are valuable work animals.
Both donkeys and mules were used to carry burdens and people when traveling.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey a week before he was crucified there.
In Bible times, kings would ride a donkey in times of peace, rather than a horse which was used for times of war.
The prophet Balaam rode a donkey which God caused to be able to talk.