Once they were the main load carrier on the French island of Ile de
Re, but the island's donkeys were replaced by tractors and trucks
and all but disappeared.
A band of enthusiasts decided to try to preserve these animals
and to raise funds they revived an old island custom of dressing the
donkeys in striped or plaid trousers. This was originally done by
their owners to help protect them from the bites of the insects that
infested the salt marshes. Now they give rides to children and pose
for photos and the money raised is spent on their welfare.