What new technology lends valuable insight into the mind of a donkey?

A new device translates donkey noises into human speech, in a powerful combination of decades of animal research and modern technology. Donkey owners need worry no longer about what their animals are thinking and feeling. The technology is now being used by a team of two companies: Real Donkeys and Merlin Entertainments London Attractions to allow those who solicit donkey rides to wear a helmet that pipes in the thoughts and feelings of the animal they're sitting on.

"[We] work very closely with them, day in day out, and pick up on their mannerisms, their emotions, what they're thinking, basically," said Mark Ineson, owner of Real Donkeys.

Each ear flick, vibration and grunt is carefully analyzed to create a donkey lexicon so that humans may better enjoy and connect with the noble beasts.

A short video on Dailymail.co.uk demonstrated how the technology works.

"How are you today?" a young girl asked a donkey wearing a yellow bridle with the name Sally printed on it.

A male voice emitted a response from a speaker attached to Sally that said, "I'm feeling quite gassy."