Of the seven French breeds of donkeys, two (the Norman and the Cotentin donkeys) are represented at the Norman Equidae Conservation Center of the Haras National du Pin (photo). Essential agricultural workers in Normandy in the last century, these donkeys are now endangered in France, where only 800 Norman donkeys and up to about 2,000 Cotentin donkeys remain. The two breeds were recognized on August 20, 1997, and their criteria defined by stud books are confirmed each year in the Pin and Saint-Lô national stud farms. Physically, the two heritage breeds of Normandy are alike: they are small, stocky donkeys marked with the cross of Saint Andrew. The Cotentin donkey is slightly larger and lighter in color than the Norman, and its mane is straight like that of the zebra.