When talking about animals to see in Morocco, one might think of zoos, or even natural parks where they live as wild fauna (and in some cases, this is partly true). However, with this post, we list five characteristic animals of the country that you will surely see as part of daily life of its citizens. And it will be quite surprising, as they are often uncommon species in tourists’ home countries.
But beware: we list and explain them so you can get to know them better and, in that way, treat them as they deserve, because in many cases they are exploited for tourism purposes by their owners. So approaching them with responsibility and respect is key, without participating in abusive practices that may encourage mistreatment or the separation of offspring.
Donkeys
Morocco is one of the countries with the most donkeys in the world: according to some sources, there are around a million specimens. And this is because, in many places, they are still used as a means of transport and load. This occurs in rural areas and can be seen firsthand in towns like Rissani, where the donkey parking lot at the gates of the medina is famous, especially busy on market days.
Dromedaries
An animal associated with the desert for being a species very well adapted to heat and drought, it is also the traditional means of transport for traversing the dunes. In fact, its current survival is linked to the routes organized between places like Merzouga and the desert tent camps, in the heart of Erg Chebbi. There is always the modern and fast alternative of a 4×4, but it’s not the same. By the way: although it is sometimes called a camel, being a camelid, it is more correct to say dromedary, because it is different from a camel.
Sheep (lambs)
Morocco’s sheep tradition is very old, and it still maintains a significant flock of sheep of different breeds, some of them native, for both wool, meat, and milk production. One of them, the Sardi breed, is the one that usually provides the most prized lambs for the Eid or Lamb Festival. Logically, buying it by pieces at the butcher shop is becoming more common, but some families still prefer to follow the traditional ritual of sacrificing a specific animal, which brings this animal to the center of local life on those dates.
Monkeys (Barbary macaques)
Another truly characteristic animal of Morocco is the Barbary macaque. It has very large populations in natural reserves such as Ifrane National Park, and is characterized by its good tolerance to human presence. Unfortunately, this means that many monkeys are exploited in city squares: often, young of this species are separated from their natural habitats, led on a leash and collar, and offered to tourists for a photo in exchange for a ‘donation’. Both our agency and animal protection authorities and associations ask not to be part of this vicious cycle.
Snakes (Egyptian cobras)
Finally, another animal to see in Morocco is the snake, specifically the Egyptian cobra. And again, we ask not to participate in their exploitation and even danger: they are used by snake charmers, known as aissauas, who make them stand up or dance to the sound of their flute in squares like Jemaa el Fna. In reality, they are not exactly dancing, but are subjected to great stress to achieve that position, and posing with them around the neck or in hand can cause great risk, as they are venomous.
