Morocco
Snake charmers
In Marrakech and other cities in the country, snake charmers use these animals for getting money from tourists. Many snakes which are in danger of extinction are exploited for this tourist activity. The snakes, captured from the wild, are smuggled and kept in very poor conditions (without water, food or hygiene standards) and suffer a very high mortality rate.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s22
Macaques as an attraction
Macaques are widely used as an attraction in the streets of Marrakech (especially in the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where 50 of these animals “act”) and other cities in Morocco. These animals are kept throughout the day in small, narrow boxes where they can get sick and suffer heat strokes due to lack of space and high temperatures. When the night comes, these macaques are forced to act with heavy chains around their necks. Their owners also take the opportunity to force the animals to climb on the shoulders of tourists and ask for money. Without showing any consideration for the suffering of the animals, the trainers repeat this show every night.
Before becoming "performers", these macaques are subjected to several months of hard training that forces them, for example, to endure heavy chains around their necks, which are fixed to the ceiling in order to make the animals adopt a straight posture. In addition, they usually have their hands tied behind their backs and are deprived of food.
Tourists can help these animals by not attending these "shows", not taking pictures with the animals and not giving money to their trainers: it is important to remember that these practices exist only because by using these animals their owners continue getting money from tourists. Likewise, it is important to keep in mind that macaques can transmit zoonotic diseases.
More info: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s15
Tips for observing primates in the wild: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s69
Birdwatching
Morocco is one of the best sites for birdwatching in Northern Africa, thanks to a wide range of easily accessible sites and a great diversity of habitats often very different from those found in neighboring Europe. More than 480 bird species have been registered in Morocco, among them you can see larks, birds of prey, songbirds and waterfowl in addition to a few specific species difficult to find elsewhere. Here too, we advise you to hire a responsible guide.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s64
Horse carriage rides
Romantic and nostalgic horse carriage rides are not so enjoyable for the animals, which are forced to work long hours, dragging heavy loads and often enduring extreme weather conditions.
Numerous animals spend all day exploited beyond their limits, while taking tourists through complicated terrain at bargain prices, often in the sun, with little shade, water and rest. These animals suffer from sunstrokes, wounds, beatings and injuries as a result of these "tourist experiences" and the economic benefit that their owners can gain from these activities is always above their animals´ welfare.
Horse carriages can have accidents with other vehicles, especially in cities with heavy traffic. The animals are usually trotting, which is too high a speed, as if it stops suddenly the carriage could crash into the animal. Moreover, the little rest that the animals get is usually in blocks located in the center of the city and, often, in inappropriate conditions.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s24
Camel rides
Camel excursions represent an important business and local tourist attraction. Camels are considered pack animals and their physical condition can vary considerably depending on the care they receive from their owner. Before hiring a tour, we advise tourists to verify the conditions of the animals and choose providers that take good care of their animals.
More info: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s30
Recommended rescue centers:
http://mpcfoundation.nl/how-can-you-help/
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Morocco:
HELP THE STREET ANIMALS OF MOROCCO
ASSOCIATION HANANE POUR LA PROTECTION DES ANIMAUX ET DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT
