{"id":5598,"date":"2026-07-08T22:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T22:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lettera.corsica\/with-balagnane-rediscover-the-corsican-donkey-an-endemic-animal-with-a-thousand-uses\/"},"modified":"2026-08-21T13:36:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T13:36:46","slug":"with-balagnane-rediscover-the-corsican-donkey-an-endemic-animal-with-a-thousand-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lettera.corsica\/en\/with-balagnane-rediscover-the-corsican-donkey-an-endemic-animal-with-a-thousand-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"With Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne, rediscover the Corsican donkey, an endemic animal with a thousand uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Corsica, it is perhaps one of the most important symbols of the island\u2019s heritage. The Corsican donkey\u2014a breed recognized in 2020 thanks to the efforts of a handful of enthusiasts, much like the paganacciu, the Corsican horse<\/a> \u2014is now thriving through guided tours, fairs, cosmetics production, and other local attractions. <\/p>\n\n

But to truly rediscover it, you still need to talk to the right people. That\u2019s certainly true of Olivier Fondacci: an activist and the owner of Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne in Haute-Corse, he took the time to have a fascinating conversation with me\u2026 right in the middle of the Agricultural Show. <\/p>\n\n

\n\t<\/div>\n\n

The Corsican donkey, or rather\u2026 \u201cU Sumeru Corsu\u201d<\/h2>\n\n

An integral part of postcard imagery and a versatile workhorse in the Corsican society of our ancestors, the donkey is believed to have arrived on the island at least \u201c600 years before our era, from the Horn of Africa<\/em>, \u201d<\/em> according to Olivier Fondacci.<\/p>\n\n

Physically, \u201cu sumeru corsu\u201d is distinguished by its \u201cdove-gray\u201d or \u201cslate-gray\u201d coat, its height (between 1.15 and 1.29 meters), and especially by its sturdy, zebra-striped limbs, inherited from its African ancestors. On its back is the famous \u201cSt. Andrew\u2019s Cross.\u201d But what exactly is it? The answer is further down in the article. <\/p>\n\n

\"Corsican
The Corsican donkey on display at the Museum of Corsica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Little
A donkey and her foal at Balagnane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an animal perfectly adapted to the island\u2019s climate, rugged terrain, and sparse vegetation,\u201d<\/em> the breeder adds, noting that \u201ca Norman donkey, on the other hand, would not be able to withstand the harsh conditions of the Corsican mountains and scrubland.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n

Its temperament also makes it quite unique. \u201cMuch like the island\u2019s inhabitants,\u201d jokes Olivier Fondacci, \u201cthe Corsican donkey is lively and spirited\u2014you shouldn\u2019t provoke it.\u201d<\/em> \u2014which brings us to a discussion of the causes behind the infamous attack on several tourists by a donkey in the Ospedale Forest in 2013. <\/p>\n\n

So how can we tell\u2014beyond physical and behavioral characteristics\u2014if a donkey is officially part of the local breed? \u201cA Sumeru Corsican donkey must have a Corsican name<\/em> and must have been born on the island; that\u2019s where it was born,\u201d<\/em> replies the donkey breeder, adding in passing that the animal \u201cmust have been reviewed by a committee to be certified as an ANC, or Corsican Breed Donkey.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n

In an article published on CorseNetInfos<\/a>, Olivier Fondacci warns buyers against purchasing a donkey that has not been \u201ccertified,\u201d because with the growing interest in donkeys since their official recognition in 2020, sales are on the rise\u2026 Sometimes without any certification and at an unjustified price. He therefore urges potential buyers to consult the association beforehand, and encourages owners who wish to have their donkey recognized to contact the commission (some own animals that could qualify for official status but have not taken the necessary steps). <\/p>\n\n

If you’re traveling in the south of France, you might be surprised by the local donkeys. As a fun fact, “the Proven\u00e7al donkey was bred from the Corsican donkey, which explains the similarities between the two animals<\/em>. “<\/em> But they\u2019re not the same. <\/p>\n\n

The legend of the “St. Andrew’s Cross” drawn on the donkey’s back<\/h2>\n\n

Let’s briefly revisit this symbolic and easily recognizable motif that the Corsican donkey bears on its shoulders\u2026 This cross extends from the nape of the neck to the tail (along the spine) and connects the two shoulders.<\/p>\n\n

This mark is both unique and common, since this dark cross can be found on many donkeys, not just those from the island: in fact, according to another donkey breeder in Corsica (Altarocc’Anes)<\/em>, it is an African trait shared by many breeds. <\/p>\n\n

To learn about the origins of this symbol, we must go back several millennia to Palestine. Legend has it that Mary (the mother of Jesus) fled Egypt on the back of a donkey. To thank the animal, the Virgin Mary blessed it by tracing a Latin cross on its back. The biological explanation would be less poetic\u2026 So let\u2019s stick with this one. <\/p>\n\n

\"Corsican
A donkey we came across on a hike <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

The island’s largest donkey farm<\/h2>\n\n

There aren’t many breeders in Corsica who are working to preserve the “sumeru corsu.” Just a handful, because most owners don’t manage their herds professionally and don’t pursue certification. <\/p>\n\n

But \u201cfor a breed to survive, there need to be about twenty births each year<\/em>, \u201d<\/em> Olivier Fondacci points out. More committed than anyone else to this mission to preserve the breed\u2014driven by his passion\u2014he now manages the island\u2019s largest donkey farm, with nearly a hundred donkeys in Balagne\u2014including 60 Corsican female donkeys. <\/p>\n\n

The man campaigned for 10 years to have the Corsican donkey recognized as an official breed\u2014the eighth in France\u2014and protected, and accepted in agricultural breed competitions. This commitment makes Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne the only recognized breeding facility in Corsica, and certainly a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with these animals. <\/p>\n\n

\"The
Olivier Fondacci’s donkeys are living the good life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

A whole new world is emerging today around the donkey: first, the celebration of cultural heritage, including everything related to the animal and its many uses (tools, traditional structures, and even mills like the one found in the village of Santa Reparata). Opportunities \u201cfor young people who want to settle down\u201d<\/em> and develop a local business. And, of course, a wide range of products and experiences, from cosmetics to recreational activities. <\/p>\n\n

Unsurprisingly, Olivier Fondacci and the “U sumeru corsu”<\/a> commission still have projects in the works. “We’re going to work on developing several coat colors (chocolate, for example) and on creating a Corsican mule.” We <\/em>can only support this initiative.<\/p>\n\n

Several experiences to enjoy at the Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne donkey farm<\/h2>\n\n

More than just a donkey farm, Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne offers a variety of local activities and services, starting with tours of the farm (which must be booked in advance to ensure someone will be there to greet you) and the soap-making workshop\u2014which I\u2019ll tell you about next. <\/p>\n\n

If you\u2019re in the mood for a donkey ride, that\u2019s certainly possible\u2014with rides for children and adults organized year-round; the duration ranges from 1 hour for a discovery ride\u2026 to several days for full-fledged treks through the maquis.<\/p>\n\n

For those who live (or frequently visit) Balagne, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll come across the animals from this donkey farm at fairs or local events\u2014when they\u2019re not helping out with vegetable farming\u2026 or appearing in film and television productions. \u201cThey keep us busy,\u201d <\/em> admits Olivier Fondacci.<\/p>\n\n

A line of cosmetics made with organic donkey milk, distinctly Corsican<\/h2>\n\n

\u201cWe also make organic cosmetics that are 100% Corsican<\/em>,\u201d<\/em> adds the donkey breeder, for whom quality is of paramount importance\u2014especially when you learn that he is the only producer of Corsican donkey milk on the entire island. His soaps contain up to 40% donkey milk, \u201cwhereas other producers and brands generally use dehydrated milk and sell soaps labeled \u2018with donkey milk\u2019 even when the actual content is as low as 4%\u2026\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n

The benefits of this milk for the skin\u2014and for overall health\u2014are well established. Since donkey milk and human milk are very similar nutritionally\u2014highly nutritious and lower in fat than cow\u2019s milk\u2014donkey milk was once used as a substitute for breast milk. <\/p>\n\n

\"Organic
Find (real) Corsican donkey milk at the markets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Building on this natural \u201cheritage,\u201d Olivier Fondacci is spearheading a new project: to establish a donkey milk AOP for each recognized breed, \u201cwith a set of common specifications.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n

But don\u2019t try to order Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne soaps (or their fresh products, such as ice cream or yogurt) online: the producer sells only small quantities directly to customers at fairs and in their shop. So you\u2019ll have to visit in person to discover their wide range of cosmetics and gourmet treats (honey, products made with donkey and goat milk, and more), available in the shop and in the dining area of the donkey farm. <\/p>\n\n

Where can I find Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne?<\/h2>\n\n

Head to Haute-Corse, a few kilometers from the charming villages of Sant\u2019Antonino and Pigna, on the hills above L\u2019Ile-Rousse. It\u2019s in Santa Reparata di Balagna that you\u2019ll find the Balagn\u2019\u00e2ne donkey farm. <\/p>\n\n

Take advantage of your outing to stop by the charming surrounding towns or to explore the Corsican artisans’ route.<\/p>\n\n

Finally: What do they call a donkey in Corsica? <\/h2>\n\n

Certainly not by yelling at him. More seriously, \u201cdonkey\u201d is translated in several ways in Corsican, depending on the local dialect\u2014even though dictionaries generally list \u201cu sumere.\u201d There are also \u201cu samere,\u201d \u201cu sumeru,\u201d \u201cu sameri,\u201d and, further south, \u201cl\u2019asinu.\u201d Be sure to pronounce the \u201cu\u201d as \u201cou\u201d and the \u201cs\u201d as \u201cz\u201d… <\/p>\n\n

And there you go\u2014you’ve (almost) got the right accent. <\/p>\n\n

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