Why 40 donkeys in the UK are wearing pyjamas and 'don-gerees': The surprising solution that's protecting them while giving old clothes a second life

Visitors at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon are doing a double-take this summer after spotting rescued donkeys dressed in colourful pyjama bottoms, leggings and specially designed "don-gerees." Around 40 rescued donkeys at the sanctuary have been spotted wearing the adapted clothing to protect their legs from painful fly bites during the UK's warm weather.

The clever solution is helping prevent irritation, sores and skin infections while also giving unwanted clothes a useful second life instead of ending up in landfill.

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Fly season can be painful for rescued donkeys

Summer brings more than sunshine for the donkeys living at the sanctuary near Sidmouth, Devon. It also brings swarms of biting insects that frequently target the animals' lower legs.

These bites can leave donkeys with constant itching, painful sores and open wounds. If left untreated, repeated bites can lead to infections and ongoing skin problems.

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Older donkeys are especially at risk because they often heal more slowly and find it harder to cope with repeated insect attacks.

To make life more comfortable for the rescued animals, staff began searching for a practical way to protect their legs throughout fly season.

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How pyjama bottoms became the perfect solution

Caretakers first experimented with socks to cover the donkeys' legs. However, they quickly discovered that the socks slipped off as the animals walked around their fields.

The team then started adapting loose-fitting pyjama bottoms, maternity trousers and leggings instead.

The larger garments stayed securely in place while allowing the donkeys to walk, graze and rest comfortably, making them a much more effective option.

What exactly are 'don-gerees'?

One of the sanctuary's most creative inventions is something affectionately known as a "don-geree." The playful name combines the words donkey and dungarees.

Each outfit is carefully designed by staff to suit an individual donkey. The loose material gently moves as the animals walk, making it much harder for flies to settle on their legs and bite them.

The result is simple but highly effective protection throughout the warmer months.

Why clothing works better than insect sprays

Unlike insect repellents that need to be reapplied several times a day, the specially adapted clothing provides continuous protection.

The garments act as a physical barrier between biting insects and the donkeys' skin without restricting movement.

Staff at the sanctuary say the rescued donkeys have adapted well to wearing the unusual outfits, continuing to graze and roam around comfortably while staying protected from flies.

Old clothes are getting a new purpose

The initiative is helping more than just donkeys. Instead of throwing away unwanted clothing, people are now donating loose-fitting garments that can be transformed into protective wear.

The sanctuary is looking for items such as:

• Pyjama bottoms
• Leggings
• Maternity trousers

Women's size 16 and above and men's large sizes are particularly useful because they provide enough fabric to be altered for the donkeys.

By repurposing old clothes, the charity is also helping reduce textile waste.

University of St Andrews joins the effort

The project recently received a helping hand from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Through the university's Reuse Shop, students donated clothing that was no longer suitable for resale.

Rather than being discarded, the garments travelled more than 500 miles to Devon, where they were transformed into protective clothing for rescued donkeys.

The donations gave unwanted clothing a meaningful second life while directly supporting animal welfare.

About The Donkey Sanctuary

Founded in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity based near Sidmouth, Devon.

The organisation provides lifelong care for donkeys rescued from neglect, abuse and abandonment while supporting donkey welfare projects around the world.

Over the years, the charity has cared for more than 11,000 donkeys and continues its work through rescue programmes, veterinary care, education and research.

A simple idea making a big difference

At first glance, the sight of donkeys wearing pyjama bottoms and "don-gerees" may seem amusing.

But behind the cheerful outfits is a thoughtful solution that improves animal welfare while supporting sustainability.

By turning unwanted clothes into protective garments, the sanctuary has found an inexpensive way to shield rescued donkeys from painful fly bites and reduce textile waste at the same time.

Sometimes, the simplest ideas really do have the biggest impact.