Santorini is an island off the coast of Greece that millions of tourists flock to every year. One of the main attractions of the island is the famous steps that tourists climb, and while some do so on foot, others go the traditional Greek route of riding a donkey.

Now, however, experts are speaking out to reveal how harmful this actually is to the animals. Since over 17,000 tourists come to the island every day, it’s very hard on the donkeys to make so many trips up the steep steps with humans on their backs.

Greek island of #Santorini: GET OFF THE DONKEY!

Walk your big, lazy self up the hill or don’t go up it at all. Some are lame, saddle sores galore. pic.twitter.com/wTmhtSBKFy

— Ingrid Newkirk (@IngridNewkirk) August 6, 2018

The Donkey Sanctuary is now trying to raise awareness of the fact that the animals are suffering from things like saddle sores, exhaustion, and spinal injuries.

“The campaign is about to start,” said Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos. “Representatives from the cruise liner association were here in my office this week promising to raise awareness [of the problem] and from our side we’ll be distributing information leaflets. Our mules and donkeys are part of our tradition. Younger owners, especially, have understood that they need to be looked after.”

Following our meeting with the mayor of #Santorini, we’re delighted to see that the steps have been significantly improved. ?

We’re looking forward to seeing the repaired shelters that will give donkeys the shade, rest and water they need. ? pic.twitter.com/1LzRrNb19W

— The Donkey Sanctuary (@DonkeySanctuary) March 27, 2019

A PR officer for The Donkey Sanctuary stated that it’s more important to make tourists aware of the risks to donkeys, rather than the owners of the animals.

“Our In Their Hooves campaign aims to encourage tourists to stop and think before using donkey taxis to climb the steep steps at Fira port,” the officer said. “It suggests holidaymakers consider whether donkeys and mules are being treated humanely, have enough shade and water, as well as whether loads they are being asked to carry are suitable. If not, other options, such as walking or taking a cable car, might be a more responsible mode of transport.”

Find out more about this in the video below.