Morocco
SPANA has been working in Morocco since 1925, where we treat around 110,000 animals each year.
Veterinary Centres
Our ten centres are based in Casablanca, Chemaia, Had Ouled Frei, Khemisset, Khenifra, Marrakech, Midelt, Rabat, Tangier and Sidi Bou Ghaba.
At these clinics we treat and hospitalise a wide range of animals ranging from donkeys to dogs and cats.
Mobile Clinics
At local souks (markets) large numbers of working animals come together. So this is the perfect opportunity for our nine mobile clinics to treat them. Our vets also take the time to talk to owners about animal welfare and how to prevent injuries and illness.
Education centres
Seven of our nine clinics house education centres, giving school children the chance to learn more about animals and the environment. They also give urban children the chance to have first-hand contact with real animals. Our education centre in Marrakech has become so popular that schoolchildren visit every day.
Special Programmes
Calèche “Mot”
We have set up a six-monthly ‘MOT’ system for the Calèche horses that pull tourist carriages in Marrakech. Their hooves are marked for identification and to keep track of their condition. If we find a horse in poor condition we have the authority to hospitalise it. And while we check that the animals are healthy, local police make sure the carriages are safe to use. All of Marrakech's 300 Calèche horses are now registered with us.
Project Fresh Water
Thanks to the great response from supporters, Local Authorities and the Calèche Horse Owners Association to our Project Fresh Water Appeal we have been able to build nine water troughs across the city.
They are placed on the main travelling routes for working animals and near the calèche horse waiting points. This simple idea has made a huge difference to the well-being of Marrakech’s working animals.
Conservation
We manage the Sidi Bou Ghaba nature reserve on the North West coast of Morocco. It provides a safe haven for over 250 bird species, many of which are rare and endangered. Over 100,000 children have visited the centre since it opened in 1995, ensuring future generations have the knowledge and enthusiasm to respect and conserve local wildlife.
Emergency intervention
In February 2004, an earthquake devastated the rural area of Al Hoceima. Large numbers of cattle and sheep were killed and many houses were damaged or completely destroyed. SPANA sent two veterinary teams to treat injured and distressed animals in the disaster zone.
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