Endangered monkeys, including Barbary Macaques dressed in football jerseys such as England’s Jude Bellingham, are reportedly being exploited for tourist photos, according to activists. These monkeys are seen in Jemaa el-Fna market square in Marrakesh’s Medina quarter, where they are paraded by handlers wearing shirts of famous football players like Vinícius Júnior and Robert Lewandowski.
The monkeys, forced to wear nappies and sunglasses, are kept in small crates when not being used, which has raised concerns among tourists. Witness reports, including one from Natasha Doyle, describe distressing scenes of monkeys being dragged by chains and showing signs of constant distress, prompting calls for an end to their exploitation.
Barbary macaques, native to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, are classified as ‘Endangered’ in the wild and are now subject to greater protection due to the risk of extinction. Despite this, they are made to perform daily in the square alongside other animals, leading to instances of tourists being injured by the stressed monkeys.
Born Free, a wildlife conservation organization, has highlighted the issue, especially with the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco, urging authorities to address animal welfare concerns associated with exploiting Barbary macaques. The organization is calling for a halt to using these monkeys for tourist photos, emphasizing the need to prioritize animal welfare over tourism activities.
Both FIFA and the Mayor of Marrakesh have not responded to requests for comments on the matter. Concerned individuals are urged to raise awareness about the exploitation of wild animals during travel by visiting the Born Free website.
