Tourists reminded that Barbary macaques are not pets

Posted on 03/07/2012

Eurogroup member, Stichting AAP, joined other NGOs in launching an educational campaign to end the illegal pet trade in Barbary macaques targeted at tourists travelling from Europe to Morocco.

Tourists will be given educational flyers and sunscreens by volunteers at the Spanish port of Algeciras before boarding the ferry to Morocco. A short film will also be screened in the port and on the ferries.

Barbary macaque populations have plummeted in recent years due to the illegal pet trade and the population is now estimated at only 4000 animals. Stichting AAP has rescued many “pet” monkeys over the years after owners realise how unsuitable they are as pets. Even tourists taking photos with baby monkeys in markets are spurring the illegal poaching of infants from the wild.

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