What animal is Eeyore in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories?

Eeyore is a donkey in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

He is one of the principal inhabitants of the Forest and is known for his gloomy outlook, slow speech and distinctive pessimism. Although Eeyore often expects disappointment, he remains part of Pooh's close circle of friends and regularly joins their adventures.

Eeyore's physical identity is sometimes confused with a horse or mule because all three are hoofed equines. In the books and Disney adaptations, however, he is specifically a donkey. His long ears, tail and familiar braying voice reinforce that classification.

Eeyore is also notable for having a detachable tail, which is fastened with a drawing pin. That detail becomes a recurring part of his stories and is one reason the character is immediately recognizable across book, film and television versions.