Cleopatra’s beauty wows Moroccans at donkey pageant

The winners of the beauty pageant – Hespress

Rabat: Cleopatra has made history by becoming the first female donkey to win the top prize in a beauty pageant in Morocco.

Cleopatra could convince the nine members of the jury, who included a veterinarian, that she was sufficiently attractive, loyal and fit to be declared winner in the competition organized in Beni Ammar, a village in central Morocco 120 kilometers west of the capital Rabat.

A strong bond with the owner and physical appearance were also important criteria considered by the judged as the donkey is paraded in front of the large crowds of people fervently supporting the event seeking to promote the status of donkeys.

“It’s a devoted and tireless animal, but it must be looked after,” said Abdeljalil, Cleopatra’s 26-year-old owner.

He took home a prize of 2,500 dirhams ($260) and a sack of barley for the donkey named after the woman famed for her supposed beauty and intellect who became queen of Egypt following the death of her father, Ptolemy XII, in 51 BC.

The name Cleopatra was chosen based on allegations that the Egyptian queen regularly took baths in donkey milk to preserve the vitality and beauty of her skin.

Sunset Queen, another she-donkey, came second ahead of a third female and four male donkeys.

The competition, in its 12th edition, was held for the first time after a five-year hiatus reportedly caused by financial issues.

Donkeys racing towards the finish line – Hespress

The pageant contest was held after a 1.5-kilometer race for 20 donkeys that saw Rambo beat Fore and Bluetooth to the finish line.

Donkeys are widely used as basic means of transport between mountainous routes in the villages of Morocco and in the narrow alleys of some ancient cities, as well as in the plowing fields of small farmers. However, their image in popular culture remains negative and coupled with stupidity.

“This event seeks the rehabilitation of the animal, which has been the friend of man throughout history, despite being subjected to degradation,” organizers said.