The donkey milk was used as anti-aging treatment for women in antiquity. A very popular cosmetic treatment that returns from the past in order to preserve the Mirandese asinine.
The donkey mirandese is a specimen endangered in our country; it is an asinine from the region of Miranda do Douro, northern Portugal. In the past, this native breed was used as a beast of burden and all sorts of jobs linked to agriculture. With the increasing abandonment of rural areas due to the emigration and the displacement of populations for coastal zones in search of better opportunities, the donkey of Miranda was being progressively put in the background of rural life. An exodus that almost ruled the death of this unique friendly breed. The remaining specimens are the result of the affection that some Mirandeses reserve this animal and the tireless work of the Association for the Study and Preservation of Cattle donkeys (AEPGA) to maintain the breed pure.
Currently, it is estimated that there are 1,000 breeding females and 40 breeding males available in Miranda do Douro. A number that is likely to grow through sustainable development of measures to their conservation in rural areas. One of such initiative was the use of donkey milk to manufacture natural soaps, whose proceeds will go towards the preservation of this animal. And before the expressions of horror, let me clarify this particular measure, in ancient times donkey milk was considered a luxury item, widely used as a cosmetic treatment to moisturize and prevent skin aging. One of the most famous advocates of this method was the Queen Cleopatra who delight herself in a bath with this milk. After this historical clarification, these soaps do not endanger the females, since "is a limited production taking advantage of the second strict standards of animal welfare and without prejudice to the suckling offspring's, which is not intended to use a commercial activity, but the preserving the asinine of Miranda do Douro. "
If you dislike the idea of the soaps, AEPGA also suggest the donkey rides by several existing trails in North of Portugal. An unforgettable experience for discovering the natural beauty of Tras-os-Montes, riding such friendly and docile animals. Will simply love it and they'll thank despite the weight! Another facet of this preservation project is the therapy. The introduction of donkeys as a healing process started in 70 years, with satisfactory results in several European countries. The recreational and therapeutic activities assisted with Mirandese donkeys for people with special needs, here they have a dual role, firstly, to stimulate their cognitive levels, physical, motor and emotional, on the other promote ecotourism, encouraging moments of pleasure and leisure with these populations.
