Dark bands on the front legs bring a zebra to mind. But could they also belong to a donkey?
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Yes: some donkeys have stripes on their legs, including the front ones. These primitive markings are inherited from their wild ancestors. They vary greatly from one donkey to another and can be subtle.
On the African wild ass, the markings are especially distinct: black bands stand out against the white or pale legs, below the forearm and the stifle.
Some domestic breeds have them too. The Thüringer Waldesel, a German donkey with a stone-grey coat, often has zebra-like stripes on its legs. It also has a stripe across its shoulders.
