UK donkeys wear pajamas to prevent insect bites

Around 40 donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, UK, wear adapted pyjama bottoms, leggings, and 'don-gerees' to protect legs from painful fly bites during soaring summer temperatures.

The clothing serves as a physical barrier against biting insects, preventing irritation, sores, and skin infections, especially in older vulnerable donkeys.

Staff experimented with socks and then larger garments like loose-fitting pyjama bottoms and maternity trousers, which stay securely in place while allowing natural movement.

'Don-gerees' is a playful name combining donkey and dungarees, custom-fitted to individual donkeys, and the loose fabric makes it harder for flies to land and bite.

The initiative also reduces textile waste by repurposing donated unwanted loose-fitting clothing (women's size 16+ or men's large+).