It was not until 1997 that the Cotentin donkey breed (Equus asinus) was recognised by the ‘Haras nationaux’ (French National Stud) and registered as a Normandy breed. Yet, on that year, the breed was threatened with extinction. At the beginning of the 20th century however, there were nearly 4,000 valiant donkeys furrowing the paths of Normandy with their charges of vegetables and milk. The Domaine d’Esthine contributes to the conservation of the breed and to raising awareness for them in the general public. The farm has concluded a partnership with the ‘Conservatoire du littoral’ (French Coastal Protection Agency) so that the donkeys of the domain maintain the small paths around the Mont-Saint-Michel bay.