The African Union has approved a ban on the slaughter of donkeys for their hides. The measure was approved Sunday at the end of the African leaders’ summit in Ethiopia and may go a long way in helping to protect the continent’s 33 million donkeys. Donkeys are being killed in large numbers on the continent for an ingredient in ejiao, a Chinese remedy, believed by some to have anti-aging and health benefits. In Africa, people in the poorest communities use donkeys for transportation and to carry goods, including water. Marianne Steele, chief executive of The Donkey Sanctuary, said, “Donkeys are sensitive and intelligent creatures who deserve protection for their own sakes and for the countless communities who rely on them.”

Source: Ethiopian News February 19, 2024 23:02 UTC