China is obessesing over Pakistan’s donkeys. Here’s how it is hurting the poor

China is obessesing over Pakistan’s donkeys. Here’s how it is hurting the poor

Over the past three years, Pakistan has seen a steady rise in its donkey population, thanks to growing demand from its all-weather ally, China. The hides of the animals are used in the production of ejiao, a gelatin used in traditional Chinese medicine, but it is draining poor Pakistanis of their livelihood

Officials have shared that there are plans to export over 200,000 donkeys annually, and farms are now rearing special breeds, including American meant, for this meet China’s demand. File image/Reuters