Donkey Skin Trade and Population Collapse

Global demand for ejiao — a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey hide gelatin — is driving donkey population collapse in Africa, South America, and Asia.

Key Facts

An estimated 4.8 million donkeys are slaughtered annually for ejiao production
Donkey populations have collapsed by 37% in Ethiopia and over 60% in some other range countries
Donkeys are essential working animals for subsistence farmers who depend on them for livelihood
Slaughter conditions in many collecting countries involve welfare harms including transport without water
Synthetic ejiao alternatives are available but face cultural resistance in traditional medicine markets

Welfare Considerations

The donkey skin trade drives welfare harms at every stage — from capture of working animals essential to family livelihoods, to transport in inhumane conditions, to slaughter facilities with inadequate stunning. The collapse of donkey populations eliminates the working animals that provide transport, water, and livelihood for hundreds of millions of subsistence farmers. The welfare harm is simultaneously to the animals slaughtered and to the human communities impoverished by their loss.

What You Can Do

Oppose ejiao products and educate others about the welfare harm driving donkey population collapse
Support organizations campaigning against the donkey skin trade globally
Advocate for ban on ejiao product imports in countries with welfare-based trade regulations
Donate to organizations providing veterinary care and advocacy for working donkeys in affected countries
Support synthetic ejiao alternatives to reduce demand for animal-derived products