Endangered monkeys dressed in football shirts, including those of England's Jude Bellingham, are being exploited for tourist photos in Marrakesh, Morocco, according to campaigners. In one of the world's most visited squares, Jemaa el-Fna, Barbary macaques are dragged along by chains fixed around their necks.
Exploitation Ahead of 2030 World Cup
Since it was announced that Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, monkeys dressed in football shirts have appeared in the square. Their handlers push them into the faces of tourists, particularly Brits, demanding money for selfies. Some monkeys wear the England kit of Jude Bellingham, while others are dressed in the Brazilian shirt of Vinícius Júnior or Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski. When not in use, the monkeys—also forced to wear nappies and sunglasses—are shoved into small crates.
Tourists Report Distress
Hundreds of British tourists have sent reports to Born Free's Raise the Red Flag programme, including Natasha Doyle from south west London. A registered veterinary nurse, she reported concerns after a holiday in Marrakech in November with her husband. 'What I witnessed ruined my holiday as it was very upsetting to see babies in nappies and adults dressed being dragged along by chains,' she said. 'Every time I saw a monkey it was pulling at its collar showing their constant distress. The size of the crates were horrific too. Once inside they had very little space.'
She added: 'I would not go back to Morocco unless they agreed to stop harming the monkeys for tourism. I felt by visiting I was indirectly supporting the suffering and exploitation of the macaques. I have emailed the city’s mayor and I will continue to tell friends and family about my experience.'
Endangered Species at Risk
Native to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, Barbary macaques are classified as 'Endangered' in the wild. In 2016, they were given greater protection by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Despite this, monkeys are forced to perform daily in the historic square alongside snake charmers, caged birds, and hedgehogs. There have been numerous reports of tourists being injured by stressed macaques, including a woman recently bitten and taken to hospital for treatment and vaccination against diseases that can spread from monkeys to humans.
Born Free Calls for Action
Sarah Jefferson, Born Free’s Captivity Campaigns Information Coordinator, said: 'With the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaching, and Morocco being a co-host country, Marrakesh is likely to see a boost in tourist numbers. Born Free continues to highlight to Moroccan tourism authorities and the Mayor of Marrakesh that perceptions of poor animal welfare, associated with the exploitation of Barbary macaques, contribute to a negative image of Morocco and should be ended.'
As excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup builds, Born Free is calling for the use of Barbary macaques dressed in football shirts for tourist photos to be 'shown the red card'. FIFA and the Mayor of Marrakesh did not respond to a request for comment.
