A Safe Haven for Rescued Animals

In 2012, after raising her family in the United Kingdom, Salima Kadaoui returned to Morocco to care for an ailing parent. She also made good on her childhood vow, founding the Sanctuaire de la faune de Tanger. Located just outside Tangier, it’s currently home to more than 450 dogs, 100 cats, 48 donkeys, two wild boars, an ape, two storks and a mule, among other small creatures. The sanctuary, which receives its funding from donations, is run by 14 employees, half of whom were once homeless and now live on site. They collect stray animals, get them neutered and vaccinated, and bring them back to the sanctuary. To date, she and her team have treated, neutered and vaccinated more than 3,000 dogs. During the pandemic, they also delivered food and essentials to both the city’s homeless population and its starving strays. Kadaoui believes her work has ultimately helped people feel more sympathy for animals. “It connected their plights,” she says. “And now more people care.” —By Flannery Dean