PETA Exposes Dark Side of Morocco’s Camel Tourism: Abuse, Exploitation, and Premature Death

In Morocco, camel trekking is one of the most entertaining activities contributing to the development of tourism. But it is an activity that camels suffer from. These animals are beaten, exploited and killed for tourism, reveals a shocking investigation by Peta Asia. The association has released images viewed by the Daily Mail showing animals abandoned in the desert, tied up without protection from the elements or beaten with a stick. "In Morocco, the camels were tied up outside in all weather conditions by short ropes, deprived of the ability to move freely, and then, as the video shows, when the camel owners thought no one was watching, they were brutally beaten," explained the PETA Asia investigator.

"It’s the same person who will sell you a ticket while telling you how much they love their camel," the association adds. It implores tourists "to help end these abuses by never riding animals and demanding an end to animal rides in Morocco, Egypt and everywhere else they are offered." A similar investigation conducted by PETA Morocco reveals that camels used for rides were beaten, tied up and ultimately killed when they were unable to carry the load. A ride operator told investigators that the animals, with a natural lifespan of 40 years, can only be "used" for about five years, after which they are killed or sold for consumption. "Camels exploited in Morocco’s tourism industry are mercilessly beaten, tied up without shelter and forced to walk until their bodies collapse," explains Mimi Bekhechi, PETA’s Vice President for Europe.

She urges vacationers "to help these gentle animals by never paying for camel rides in Morocco or elsewhere." According to Responsible Travel, an "activist travel agency" that advocates for "authentic travel experiences that cause the least harm to people and places," many countries offering these tours lack animal welfare laws or enforcement measures. "Camel rides for tourists are common in many Middle Eastern countries, and some animals are overworked as their owners seek to make as much money as possible," the agency acknowledges.