The Most Judgy Donkeys in Texas Have a Very Good Reason for These Masks

Don't deny it, you've put a sweater on your dog or even your cat. You do it because you think they are cold, or you just love the way they look in clothes.

Now imagine putting something like that on a donkey. People love donkeys. Just look at all the different donkey social media accounts and the followers. Donkeys are fun. Getting to dress up a donkey is even better.

Now imagine putting masks on your donkey that they didn't approve of, and see what ensues.

That is exactly what happened to Thelma and Chuy, two donkeys at the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Amarillo, Texas. The caretakers at WWWRC put these donkeys in these special masks for a reason, and not because they were trying to turn them into Nacho Libre. They are special fly masks.

However, judging by the looks that Thelma and Chuy are giving, they are plotting their revenge against the inventor of the fly mask.

Why Are Donkeys Wearing Fly Masks?

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center via Facebook

While these masks may look like dress up, they do serve their purpose to protect these beautiful animals. According to WWWRC, the flies were starting to irritate these donkey friends. Flies aren't just a nuisance; they can literally hurt the animals. Yes, some sprays can help deter flies, but not around the eyes and mouth, and there are only so many times these donkeys can swat at a fly with their tails, shake their heads, or stomp.

Read More: Amarillo Mourns the Loss of Cinder the Porcupine

How Flies Hurt Donkeys and Other Livestock

Flies are attracted to moisture around the eyes and mouths of a donkey, where they can:

• Irritate sensitive skin
• Cause excessive tearing
• Lead animals to rub against trees and fence posts
• Create cuts and sores that can become infected
• Spread bacteria and disease

Read More: Prairie Dog Controversy Sparks Change in Amarillo

Why Flies Are More Than Just a Nuisance

• Face flies feed on eye secretions.
• Stable flies bite and feed on blood.
• Horse flies leave painful bites.
• Constant irritation can reduce grazing and cause stress.
• Flies can transmit pinkeye and other eye infections among livestock.

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center via Facebook

So to help give Thelma and Chuy relief, WWWRC put these funny masks on their donkey duo. The donkeys can still see, while the masks protect their faces from the flies. While Thelma and Chuy might dislike how ridiculous they look (we love it, they are so cute), it does serve a purpose.

Judging by the photos, it may take a little while for forgiveness.

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center via Facebook

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a group of volunteers who take time to help injured and orphaned wild animals in the Texas Panhandle. They help over 3,000 animals yearly. If you would like to help them provide fly masks for the donkeys or help their cause, you can donate here.