The fight to protect donkeys from the illegal skin trade is intensifying, with international charities and organisations leading the charge. A particularly disturbing issue is the demand for donkey skins, driven by the popularity of a product called ejiao. This gelatin, which is boiled down from donkey skins, has found its way into traditional Chinese medicine and cosmetics, causing devastation to donkey populations, especially in Africa.
In late May 2025, Brooke, a leading global animal welfare charity, attended a major event in Paris to reaffirm its commitment to protecting donkeys, particularly from the African donkey skin trade. The charity was joined by its partners in the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE) and the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for an official side event at the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (WOAH) 92nd General Session.
The Scope of the Crisis
The demand for donkey skins is escalating. Millions of donkeys are killed every year to meet the demand for ejiao, a key ingredient in traditional medicine and certain beauty products. According to reports, up to six million donkeys are slaughtered annually in order to meet this demand. This trade is not only inhumane but is threatening the very existence of donkey populations in many parts of Africa.
The situation is further compounded by the Ejiao Act reintroduced in the US House of Representatives in 2021, aiming to ban the sale and trade of ejiao in the country. Brooke USA, part of the global Brooke organisation, has been lobbying for this legislation to pass. In addition, animal welfare groups, including Brooke USA Foundation, have been active in protesting companies like Amazon for selling donkey skin products, gathering petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures.
African Union’s Landmark Ban
The good news is that the tide is beginning to turn. In February 2024, thanks to lobbying by Brooke and other animal welfare organisations, the African Union took a monumental step by implementing a ban on the donkey skin trade across the continent. This is a significant move in safeguarding donkey populations in Africa and sends a strong message against the exploitation of these animals.
Chris Wainwright, CEO of Brooke, expressed his thoughts on the issue: “The ongoing threat to donkey populations from the illegal skin trade is an urgent crisis that requires immediate action. At Brooke, we stand firm in our commitment to protect these incredible animals, who are essential to the survival of so many. We must unite globally to end this exploitation and ensure a future where donkeys are valued and safeguarded for generations to come.”
What’s Being Done to Combat the Trade?
The efforts are ongoing, but the battle is far from over. Brooke continues to be at the forefront of the fight, working with international coalitions and governments to strengthen legislation and raise awareness. The work of animal welfare organisations is crucial in shifting attitudes towards donkeys, from being seen as mere commodities to being respected as valuable and integral members of many rural communities.
The crisis is far-reaching, but it’s clear that a global response is necessary. We need more voices speaking out against this horrific trade, more awareness around the true cost of ejiao, and more action at both governmental and corporate levels to protect donkeys.
What You Can Do
As an individual, you can play a role in raising awareness about the donkey skin trade. Support organisations like Brooke, sign petitions, and boycott companies that sell donkey skin products. Every action, no matter how small, helps bring us closer to a future where donkeys are no longer exploited for their skins.
If you are passionate about animal welfare and want to make a difference, consider educating others on this issue, spreading the word on social media, and supporting ethical brands that do not partake in the sale of products made from donkey skins.
The road ahead may be long, but with continued global collaboration and public pressure, there is hope that we can end the exploitation of donkeys and ensure their protection for future generations.
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