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China is buying donkeys globally to produce ejiao, a traditional gelatin. Growing demand threatens the species and causes social and economic problems in several countries.
China has been buying donkeys on a large scale on the international market since 2010. This intense and growing demand puts the animal at risk of extinction in several regions, especially in Africa.
But why this specific interest in donkeys? The answer lies in a traditional product Chinese called ejiao, made from the skin of the animal.
Ejiao: the ancient donkey gelatin coveted by China
Ejiao (pronounced “e-jiau”) is a traditional gelatin. It is made from collagen found in donkey skin. Its use in China dates back thousands of years, mainly in traditional medicine. Historically, it was an expensive medicine restricted to the imperial courts. It was believed to strengthen the blood, improve sleep and balance energy.
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More recent research mentions other supposed benefits, including slowing aging, increasing libido, and aiding in cancer treatments. Today, ejiao is extremely popular in China. It is found in tonics, capsules, cosmetic creams, and even foods, such as cakes and fruits covered in gelatin.
The global impact of China's demand for donkeys
Ejiao consumption has skyrocketed in China. In the 90s, the industry needed about 200 donkey skins per year. This demand was met by domestic Chinese production. Today, the annual demand has jumped to 4 to 6 million skins.
This number represents about 10% of the world's donkey population. If the rate continues, the species could become extinct globally in less than 10 years. China's own donkey population has fallen by 76% since 1992. With the country's shortage of animals, China is buying donkeys abroad. It started in Asia, then went to Mexico, Brazil and mainly Africa.
Crisis in Africa and Brazil: robberies and illegal slaughter
Africa is home to over 40% of the world's donkeys. In these countries, donkeys are vital to the rural economy. They are used to transport cargo, plow crops and protect livestock. The intense demand for donkeys China is buying donkeys and made the price skyrocket.
This has led to an increase in the theft of these animals. Criminals steal donkeys even from small properties. The animals are taken to slaughterhouses, often illegal ones. The skin is removed, dried and sent in boxes to China. Often, the animal's carcass is discarded, wasting food.
The ban on donkey slaughter in Africa and the situation in Brazil
The situation has become an economic and security problem. Governments have begun to take action. In February 2025, the African Union approved a ban on the slaughter of donkeys for the export of their skins. The measure aims to curb the decline in the animal population and applies to all 55 member countries. A similar situation has occurred in Brazil.
A 2012 agreement with China regulated the export of skins. Slaughter has grown so much that the donkey population has decreased by more than 60% between 2017 and 2022. The courts banned the slaughter in Bahia in 2018, but the ban was overturned in 2019. Brazil now supplies China's demand for ejiao and Vietnam's demand for donkey meat.
Why not just create more donkeys?
If donkey skins have become so valuable, why not raise more animals? The answer is that large-scale donkey farming is not economically viable. Gestation is very long (about 12 months). The average is less than one calf per year per female. The pregnancy of the mare (who gives birth to the donkey by mating with a male donkey) is delicate, with a high risk of miscarriage.
Additionally, donkeys and mules (females) are generally sterile because they are hybrids. This prevents mass reproduction without constant breeding of donkeys and mares, which is expensive and time-consuming. Donkeys also need about 4 years for their skin to be suitable for extraction. The cost of raising the animal for so long (feeding, care) exceeds the value of the skin.
What a shame. We're going to have to sell the grass-eating, flat-earther voters **** square earth to China at a **** price.
True, we can export all the PT members, they are no good for anything anyway… LOL
IS IT LULA'S FRIEND? OOHHHH NO!!! IT'S ****.
But is there really that much **** to supply the Chinese market?