Giving a baby tortoise a free-range home in Marrakech thanks to SPANA charity

On the 6th of January whilst in Marrakech, Morocco I got an odd message from my wife; “I saw a tortoise on the way to the hotel” along with a photo. I was rather confused and replied quickly for more information. We were staying in a riad (old Arabesque house) within the medina on a small non-car accessible side street. It turns out my wife, a big animal lover who spends most of the day watching cat/dog videos on Facebook, spotted a baby tortoise on the street which had clearly escaped or been abandoned.

In traditional shopping areas, they sell baby tortoises openly. My wife asked around and no one claimed it, so she took it to the hotel room! I was a little shocked and luckily, she did not tell the reception. It was given water and, on the way, back to the hotel I bought it a lettuce which was 4-5x bigger than it! Most of the time it was not moving – sleeping which I believe is normal.

There was only one thought in my head - visit SPANA, an English charity with eight branches in Morocco, based 5kms+ away. Marrakech being a city, does not have suitable places to leave it out and outside of Marrakech is rather arid. Giving it to the men selling them is not an ethical idea. The day before (5th) we visited the excellent Jarjeer Mule & Donkey Refuge outside of Marrakech which focuses on mules, donkeys & horses.

On the 7th we battled the awful drivers of Marrakech to visit SPANA which is outside of the city centre (15 mins plus drive away). Google Maps showed it closes at 16.00, though in reality it closes at 12.00 daily which was close to when we rocked up. On entering we were greeted by what appeared to be the manager and my wife explained she found it wondering.

He immediately said we will take it and showed us an adult tortoise on the ground, where it would live and a pond which has existing tortoises in. We put it down with its personal fresh lettuce and were given a quick tour of the compound due to the time. That is one tortoise which will not be a (possibly poorly treated) pet. Thank you SPANA of Marrakech and a donation has been sent electronically.