That Morocco goat-on-tree picture you saw was staged

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goats on argan tree
Goats on an Argan tree in Morocco. Picture by Aaron Gekoski.

(TAN): Enterprising farmers have been taking advantage of tourists’ interest in Moroccan goats climbing the thorny Argan tree to make a quick buck.

Environmental photojournalist and TV presenter Aaron Gekoski, says these farmers now “manipulate the situation” by placing goats on artificial platforms built on the trees and charge tourists who want to take their photographs.

The goats normally climb the Argan tree to eat its bitter-tasting fruit. However, they cannot digest it’s oil-rich seed that comes out with the poop. The nuts are collected and sold for use in food and cosmetics. 

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The “opportunistic” farmers even bring goats from other areas, build platforms on the trees and get the goats to stand on them. The animals are taken home late in the afternoon and the ritual is repeated the following day.

Speaking to TAN, Gekoski said: “Putting some goats in a tree might not be the cruellest form of wildlife tourism on the planet. But hopefully these images will make tourists think twice before taking that Instagram photo.” 

Farmer with goat
A farmer poses with his goat. An Argan tree with goats placed on it is seen in the background. Picture by Aaron Gekoski.
Farmer and goat on tree
A farmer and goat on an Argan tree. Picture by Aaron Gekoski.
Farmer and goat
A farmer places a goat on an Argan tree. Picture by Aaron Gekoski.

He pointed out that the farmers were not hiding anything and were happy to give him an insight into the goats’ lives. He found many of the goats in “poor condition and very skinny”.

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“Images of goats in trees have become iconic, suggesting a rural idyll where crafty and agile animals have learned to make the most of their environment,” Chris Draper, head of animal welfare and captivity at Born Free, an organisation that works for wild animals, said. “The situation is likely to be very stressful for the goats, made worse by being placed next to a busy road and with streams of visitors stopping to take a look.”

Goats on Argan tree
The goats stand for hours on the platforms made for them. Picture by Aaron Gekoski.
Goats on Argan tree
Tourists on the highway often stop to take pictures of these goats. Picture by Aaron Gekoski.

Gekoski says he is starting Raise the Red Flag, a platform where tourists can raise their concerns about animal abuse. 

“It will also encourage people to make better decisions whilst on holiday,” he says and adds that every year, an estimated 110 million people visit operators that abuse animals. Gekoski is seeking donations for this project and intends to use the money to expose wildlife cruelty around the world.

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