Ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra used to take baths in it... but now donkey's milk is gaining popularity as a drink in Albania amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Elton Kikia runs one of only two donkey milk farms in Albania, in a village called Paper. 

He told AFP: "The demand in the market for donkey milk has increased sharply, especially in recent months with the growing number of people infected with the coronavirus." 

This is because the drink is reportedly rich in vitamins and can boost the immune system. In fact, before the turn of the century, was used in several countries as a substitute for breast milk for orphans.

One customer, a student named Klea Ymeri, traveled to Paper specifically to buy the milk when her parents contracted the virus. 

"I came to the farm to help my parents who have just had COVID and on top of the medicines they are taking, donkey milk can be a good remedy for their respiratory system," she said. 

Demand for donkey's milk is growing, despite its expensive price tag. 

One-liter costs $60, which is a hefty price in a country where the average monthly income is just $477. 

To deal with this interest, Kikia plans to increase his herd from a dozen donkeys to 100. 

Which is not an easy feat, as Albania's donkey population was declining before COVID-19 because of emigration and the growth of industrialized farming. 

Video editor: Steve Chappell.