Donkey Work?

There has been a great fanfare about donkeys being used as 'environmental agents' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/31/donkeys-to-help-re-establish-rare-wild-flower-in-devon). The donkeys are at a sanctuary (a 'home' for otherwise unrequired animals) in Devon (South-west England). The donkeys will be tasked with trampling over areas, especially seeded with Small-flowered catchfly. This catchfly has disappeared from much of its former range and could be regarded as endangered (although other species of this, not very impressive, catchfly appear to be doing quite well). The donkeys will be assessed for their effectiveness in 'treading in' the seeds. I have no problem with donkeys being credited with the work but any large to medium-sized ungulate could do the task. It looks as if people are striving to find a 'use' for the sanctuary's donkeys. Treading in is not exactly ground-breaking (or perhaps it is)!