The Struggle to Protect Barbary Macaques in Marrakech

In the heart of Marrakech’s vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a troubling issue is unfolding. Amid the lively market, the presence of Barbary macaques, a species facing endangerment, raises concerns about their welfare and the ethical implications of using them as tourist attractions.

Source: BBC Earth/YouTube

Barbary macaques, native to the Barbary Coast of North Africa, are the only macaque species found outside Asia and the sole non-human primate living north of the Sahara. With their population dwindling to fewer than 10,000, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has labeled them endangered. Despite being illegal as pets in Morocco, Jemaa el-Fnaa sees at least 17 individuals with permits exploiting these primates for tourist entertainment.

For years, Barbary macaques in Jemaa el-Fnaa have been part of the spectacle that draws tourists. Handlers, such as Adil Ouadrhiri and his family, argue that the macaques provide entertainment and that tourists come specifically to witness their performances. However, concerns about the ethical treatment of these animals have been raised, prompting calls for a reevaluation of their use as tourist attractions.

Critics, including primatologist Kristina Stazaker and conservationist Siân Waters, emphasize the psychological and physical toll on macaques forced to perform tricks and live in captivity. Reports of abusive treatment, cramped living conditions, and potential musculoskeletal problems have sparked outrage among tourists and animal welfare advocates alike. While Ouadrhiri denies mistreatment, concerns about the welfare of these primates persist.

Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests acknowledges the need for change and plans to implement measures to improve the living and working conditions of macaques in Jemaa el-Fnaa. Proposed initiatives include identifying and microchipping the animals and establishing better living spaces for them when not performing. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient, advocating for the removal of macaque tourism altogether.

As the debate rages on, the central question remains: Is the cultural significance of macaque performances in Jemaa el-Fnaa reason enough to compromise the well-being of an endangered species? While the government’s proposed reforms aim to strike a balance, skeptics like Stazaker believe that a complete ban on macaque tourism is the only viable solution. The reputation of Jemaa el-Fnaa as an “open-air circus” may continue to deteriorate without more robust regulation and enforcement.

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