A petition calling on authorities in Marrakech to end the use of snakes, Barbary macaques and horse-drawn carriages for tourist entertainment has gathered more than 18,000 signatures, as animal welfare concerns continue to draw attention from visitors and campaigners.
The petition, addressed to the Marrakech city council, local authorities and municipal officials, describes the treatment of animals at the Jemaa el-Fna square and elsewhere in the city as an “urgent” welfare issue and calls for immediate intervention.
It alleges that snakes, including cobras, vipers and other species, are kept on the hot concrete of Jemaa el-Fna without adequate shade or water. It also claims that some snakes suffer mouth injuries and that animals can die within days or weeks under such conditions.
The petition calls for a ban on displaying and using snakes for entertainment at Jemaa el-Fna. It also urges authorities to confiscate reptiles currently being used in performances and transfer them to shelters or, where appropriate, release them into suitable habitats.
Concerns over Barbary macaques
The petition also targets the use of Barbary macaques, an endangered species in the wild that is frequently displayed for tourists to photograph.
It alleges that young macaques are taken from their natural environment, restrained by the neck and handled throughout the day.
National Geographic reported in 2023 that Barbary macaques were being used to entertain tourists at Jemaa el-Fna.
The petition argues that the use of the animals for tourist entertainment raises both welfare and conservation concerns.
Horse-drawn carriages also targeted
Horse-drawn tourist carriages are another focus of the campaign.
The petition alleges that some horses are required to pull heavy carriages in extreme heat without sufficient rest, veterinary care or protection from injuries.
Marrakech already has measures in place to monitor carriage horses. The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, or SPANA, says horses are subject to regular technical inspections and identification measures, while its Marrakech program provides veterinary, farriery and dental care.
Some visitors have nevertheless raised concerns about the animals’ conditions. Tripadvisor reviews include accounts from tourists who said they saw horses standing in intense heat without shade or water. One reviewer claimed to have witnessed a horse collapse while pulling a carriage.
Animal welfare group Network for Animals also reported in 2025 that horses pulling tourist carriages in Marrakech could face severe heat, dehydration and exhaustion, and said some had collapsed in the streets.
The petition is calling for stronger enforcement, regular veterinary checks for carriage horses and financial and legal penalties for animal exploitation.
The campaign comes as Marrakech continues to grapple with how to balance its longstanding tourist attractions with growing concerns over animal welfare.
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