Tourists are exploiting endangered monkeys by dressing them in football shirts, such as England’s Jude Bellingham, for photo opportunities, according to campaigners. Barbary Macaques are being paraded around a popular square with chains around their necks. These monkeys, adorned in jerseys like England’s Jude Bellingham, Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior, and Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, are used to attract tourists for paid selfies. When not in use, the monkeys are confined in small crates, wearing nappies and sunglasses.

British tourists, including Natasha Doyle from south west London, have reported witnessing this exploitation to the Born Free charity. Natasha, a veterinary nurse, expressed her distress over seeing the monkeys in distress and cramped crates, leading her to advocate against supporting such practices. The Barbary macaques, native to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, are classified as endangered in the wild.

Despite conservation efforts, these monkeys are still forced to perform daily in Marrakesh’s main square, often alongside other animals like snakes, birds, and hedgehogs. Reports have also surfaced of tourists being injured by stressed macaques, highlighting the risks associated with such exploitation.

As preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco progress, Born Free continues to address concerns with local authorities regarding animal welfare issues. The organization emphasizes the negative impact such exploitation could have on Morocco’s image and urges for an end to the mistreatment of Barbary macaques and other animals in Marrakesh.

Born Free calls for a halt to the use of monkeys dressed in football shirts for tourist photos, highlighting the need for ethical treatment of animals. Despite outreach, FIFA and the Mayor of Marrakesh have not commented on the issue. Travelers are encouraged to report concerns about captive wild animals while on holiday through Born Free’s Raise the Red Flag program.