The Donkey Sanctuary and Emirates have collaborated to create an Aviation Risk and Threat Assessment operational guide. This initiative aims to address the risks associated with the trade of donkey skins, which is linked to organized crime and illegal wildlife trafficking.
According to The Donkey Sanctuary, six million donkeys are killed annually for their skins, predominantly in Africa. These skins are transported globally by sea and air to be used in traditional medicines. Research conducted by The Donkey Sanctuary, the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, and Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) has revealed significant connections between donkey skin trade and other illegal activities.
Emirates has banned the transport of donkey hides. Following a continent-wide moratorium endorsed by African Heads of State at the 37th African Union Summit in February, Emirates extended its zero-tolerance policy on transporting banned species to include donkey hides.