5 animal rescues in Morocco that will move you

Behind every rescued animal there are strangers who stopped, volunteer vets, associations that hold on. Here are 5 true stories from Morocco, all reported by the press, that show how a single gesture can change a life.

What are these 5 true stories?

1. The donkey found alive under the rubble of Imi N'Isli

After the earthquake of 8 September 2023, a donkey stayed trapped for about a week under the ruins of a house in Imi N'Isli, Al Haouz province. A British search-and-rescue team (ISAR), there to help survivors, assisted the vets of the charity Spana in freeing it through a tiny opening. The animal came out alive: "a very lucky donkey", as Spana put it.

2. The 54 volunteer vets of Al Haouz

At the same time, answering the call of the National Order of Veterinarians, 54 vets from across Morocco deployed to four affected provinces to treat injured dogs, cats, donkeys and livestock. Mules were the priority: they carried aid to isolated villages. Medicines worth 150,000 dirhams were donated for this care.

3. The Zagora dog who wouldn't let them go

Cycling through the Zagora region, a British couple was followed by a stray dog… for more than 80 kilometres. Unable to leave her behind, they had her treated and vaccinated at a specialised centre in Agadir. After months of medical and administrative procedures, she left Morocco with them for the United Kingdom in 2025.

4. Inotika, the survivor

Inotika lost her brothers and sisters in a stray-dog culling operation. Taken in by the association Les quat'pattes Maroc, she was sterilised, vaccinated, placed with a foster family, then adopted in France, where she arrived on 20 March 2021. Her story shows why Morocco has since chosen the "capture, sterilise, vaccinate, release" approach.

5. The survivors of the ADAN shelter in Rabat

In Rabat, the Association for the Defence of Animals and Nature (ADAN) has for years taken in injured or abandoned dogs and cats: three-legged or one-eyed cats on a rooftop shelter, some 400 dogs in its shelter in 2020, according to a report by US public radio NPR. Only 5 to 10% of those dogs then found a family, which shows how much each adoption counts.

How can you help?

Adopt from a shelter rather than buying. Foster for a few weeks. Donate food, blankets or some of your time to associations. Share adoption posts: every share improves an animal's chances.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I find an injured animal?

Make sure you are safe, approach gently, then contact a vet or an association in your city. Never give human medicine.

Can you adopt a Moroccan animal from abroad?

Yes, some associations do it, but the procedures (rabies vaccine, microchip, antibody test, waiting periods) take several months.

Read more: adopting a cat or dog in Morocco and what Law 19.25 changes.

Sources: Bladi.net, "A week after the earthquake in Morocco, a donkey found alive under rubble" (20 Sept 2023); Le Matin, "Earthquake: vets mobilise to help animals" (2023); Bladi.net, "A dog followed tourists for 80 kilometres" (14 Sept 2025); Bladi.net, "She changes the fate of a Moroccan stray dog" (17 May 2022); NPR, "When you spot a stray… in Rabat, call ADAN" (23 Sept 2020); ALEEF directory.