How do I sync GIFs with iTunes without them being changed to JPGs?

Hi, I recently had to restore my phone, so I exported all my photos onto my mac. I synced them again from a folder to my iPhone, but they were all changed to JPGs. I would like them to be the original format they came in, as many of the GIFs were animated when I sent them in iMessage or Mail, for example.

I have searched the web about iTunes changing picture formats, but I have found nothing. On the Apple website it says GIFs are compatible with iTunes ad I would assume that it would not have changed the pictures format when syncing to my iPhone.

If anyone could help, it is MUCH appreciated!