DECAN Refuge Travel Guide

Located approximately 10 kilometers south of Djibouti City, DECAN Refuge (Découvrir et Aider la Nature) is a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and preserving Djibouti's wildlife. Founded in 2003 by French veterinarian Bertrand Lafrance, the 30-hectare refuge provides a home for animals that have been injured, orphaned, or illegally captured. DECAN is home to a diverse array of animals, including cheetahs, lions, ostriches, tortoises, Somali donkeys, caracals, squirrels, oryx, antelopes, kudus, zebras, porcupines, gazelles, baboons, green monkeys, and nearly 200 species of birds. Many of these animals were saved from poaching or were once kept illegally as caged pets. The refuge actively works to combat poaching and reintegrate animals that had disappeared from the region. Visitors can witness the dedication and care that goes into rehabilitating these animals, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild whenever possible.DECAN also serves as an educational center, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. The refuge welcomes visitors on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons, offering guided tours and educational programs for customs officers, police, and school children. These programs aim to educate the public about the threats facing Djibouti's wildlife and the importance of protecting its natural heritage. DECAN also organizes eco-tourism camps in protected areas, offering opportunities to observe gazelles, birds, and small mammals in their natural habitats.DECAN's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its various initiatives, such as community clean-up efforts and plans to expand the refuge to include a mangrove ecosystem. This expansion will provide additional habitat for wildlife and enhance the refuge's biodiversity and conservation impact.