As summer temperatures rise, bringing swarms of biting insects across the UK, a Devon animal charity has found an unexpectedly charming solution to keeping rescued donkeys comfortable.
About 40 donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth are now wearing specially designed pajama pants and leggings. “Don Geris” To protect their legs from painful fly bites. While the unusual outfits attracted smiles online, they also serve a serious purpose. This simple clothing trick helps prevent irritations, sores and skin infections caused by insect bites, gives unwanted clothes a useful second life and reduces textile waste.
Why do donkeys in the UK wear pajamas?
Clothing was introduced to protect donkeys during fly season, when biting insects are most active. Flies often target the undersides of animals’ legs, causing painful bites that can lead to itching, open wounds and long-term skin problems.Older donkeys are particularly at risk because they may suffer more frequent insect attacks and have a slower recovery. The staff at the shelter wanted a practical, long-term way to improve their comfort throughout the warmer months.
The idea developed through trial and error. The caregivers initially tried socks to cover the donkeys’ legs, but they repeatedly slipped as the animals wandered through their fields.They then tried adapting larger clothing, including loose-fitting pajama pants, maternity pants and leggings. These stayed securely in place while allowing the donkeys to move naturally, making them a more effective solution.
What is “Don Jiris”?
Some custom clothing is called affectionately “Don Geris”a fun combination of the words donkey and dungaree.Each piece of clothing is carefully adjusted by the staff to fit individual donkeys comfortably. The loose fabric moves gently as animals walk, making it difficult for flies to land and bite.
Why clothes work better than sprays
Unlike insect repellents, which must be applied repeatedly throughout the day, modified clothing provides continuous protection.The clothing acts as a physical barrier between insects and the donkeys’ skin while remaining lightweight enough for the animals to graze, walk and rest comfortably. Staff say the donkeys have adapted well to wearing their unusual clothes.The initiative also helps reduce textile waste.Donkey Sanctuary encourages people to donate unwanted, loose clothing, including pajama pants, maternity pants and leggings.
Women’s clothing size 16 and up or men’s clothing size 16 and up are especially useful because they can be adapted to donkeys.Instead of ending up in a landfill or being thrown away, these clothes are turned into protective clothing that directly benefits the animals being rescued.
University donations support the project
The campaign recently received support from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.Through the university’s reuse shop, students donated unwanted clothing that was no longer suitable for resale.
Instead of being disposed of, the clothes traveled more than 500 miles to Devon, where they were reused into protective clothing for the sanctuary’s donkeys.
About the donkey reserve
Founded in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity based near Sidmouth, Devon. It provides lifelong care for donkeys rescued from neglect, abuse and abandonment, while also supporting donkey welfare projects in countries around the world.The charity has cared for more than 11,000 donkeys over the years and continues to promote better welfare through veterinary care, education, and search and rescue programmes.
A simple idea with a big impact
Although donkeys are seen wearing pajamas and “Don Geris” This initiative may seem fun at first, but it reflects a thoughtful approach to animal welfare. By combining creativity with sustainability, the sanctuary found a low-cost way to protect its animals from painful insect bites while reducing clothing waste. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas can make a big difference, both for the animals you protect and for the environment.