Donkey thefts, driven by a global demand for donkey skins used in traditional Chinese medicine, are devastating communities in Africa.
Steve, a water seller in Nairobi, lost his livelihood when his donkeys were stolen for their skins.
This trade, fueled by the belief in the health benefits of donkey skin gelatin, is threatening donkey populations worldwide.
The Donkey Sanctuary estimates millions of donkeys are slaughtered each year for this purpose.
Efforts are underway to ban the slaughter and export of donkeys across Africa and in Brazil, but concerns remain about the trade shifting elsewhere and the impact on rural communities who rely on these animals.
Steve’s story highlights the personal toll of this trade, but organizations like Brooke are working to provide support and alternatives for those affected.
Source : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-68230069