Donkey riders’ weight limit in Greece

This item appears on page 4 of the December 2018 issue.

A new animal-welfare law on the Greek island of Santorini limits donkey rides to people weighing under 100 kilograms (220 pounds). Visitors often ride donkeys up the steep stairways from the port to the town of Fira, atop the island's caldera at 1,300 feet.

The law was instituted after images were shared of donkeys with serious saddle sores that were at least partly caused by the animals' having to carry particularly heavy tourists.

Fira can also be accessed via cable car or a 30-minute walk.