The owners of the Poitou donkeys dressed them in trousers because they used to work in the salt flats and get bitten by mosquitoes and bugs. But today they are a tourist attraction on the French island of Rhea.

The island of Rhea (or Île-de-Ré in French) is located off the coast of France, near La Rochelle, and is famous for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, clear waters, and gentle breezes. In addition to its natural bounty, Rhea is also known for its unique donkeys.

An old postcard showing a Poitou donkey in trousers standing on a salt flat. Photo:declampe.

Rhea donkeys originate from the Poitou region of France. They are one of the largest breeds of donkey, with long, thick, matted hair that only makes them look larger.

Due to their size and strength, Poitou donkeys were used as a means of transport in the salt flats. To protect their legs from mosquitoes and insects, donkey owners dressed them in special trousers made for working hours. The donkeys' outfits were made from old curtains in Vichy red or grey. From then on, donkeys wearing trousers were called "Anes en Culotte".

The long, thick, matted coat of a Poitou donkey looks as if it has never been brushed. Photo: Flickr.

Today, Poitou donkeys are no longer used to transport salt, but their trousers are still worn as a tourist attraction.

The Poitou donkey was once the most sought after donkey in Europe, and was known as “the best and hardest working donkey in the world.” By the mid-20th century, 30,000 donkeys were being bred in Poitou each year and exported far and wide. However, with the rise of mechanization during World War II, demand for donkeys declined and the donkey trade collapsed. Their numbers dwindled dramatically. By 1966, there were only 44 Poitou donkeys left in the world. Thanks to conservation efforts in the late 20th century, by 2005, there were more than 450.

Donkeys wearing pants have now become a special tourist attraction on Rhea Island. Photo: Wiki.

According to VNE