When you think of animals that could go extinct, how much time would it take you to think of donkeys?
Yes… it’s a problem. New studies show that the world’s donkey population could be reduced by half in the next few years. And the reason is the slaughter of donkeys for their skin.
EJIAO – A MEDICINE THAT KILLS
Unfortunately, using and slaughtering animals is no news to us, but donkey slaughter is something we didn’t expect to see in such growing numbers. Traders are exporting them mostly for the use in Chinese medicine – ejiao. It’s supposed to improve blood circulation, anemia and reproductive problems. But since the key ingredient of the medicine is animal skin gelatin, traders from Africa, Asia and South America are exporting donkeys so their skin can be used in the substance’s production. The supply and demand is growing in such large numbers that the survival of donkeys is at risk.
DONKEY MILK AND DONKEY SKIN USED FOR MAKEUP
Donkey milk and skin are used in a lot of make up and cosmetic products for its nutritional and healing properties for the skin and hair (mostly in anti-age range of products). Europe’s market has the most donkey milk personal care products (France is leading in the product development), and markets in South Korea, Malaysia and China are increasing in demand. This is a very disappointing fact, because more demand means more exploitation.
ANIMAL SUFFERING
Just as all the other exportations of animals, donkeys are often transported long distances, they don’t get food or water or rest, they are usually put in extremely small spaces and don’t get any shelter from the rain or snow or heat
which just puts them in more risk to sustain injuries (approximately 20% of all donkeys die during the transportation). And after all that, they are skinned and brutally killed.
