DECAN Refuge: A Haven for Djibouti's Wildlife

DECAN Refuge, whose name stands for Découvrir et Aider la Nature (Discover and Help Nature), is a sanctuary for wildlife located a short distance south of Djibouti City along the RN2. Founded in 2001 by French veterinarian Bertrand Lafrance, the 30-hectare refuge provides a safe haven for animals that have been orphaned, injured, or illegally captured for trafficking. DECAN's mission extends beyond animal care to actively combat poaching and preserve Djibouti's unique flora and fauna.The refuge is home to a diverse array of animals, including cheetahs, lions, ostriches, tortoises, Somali donkeys, caracals, antelopes, kudus, zebras, and porcupines. Many of these animals were saved from poaching or were once kept illegally as caged pets. DECAN provides them with a nurturing environment where they can recover and, when possible, be released back into the wild. The refuge also collaborates with partners to reintroduce endemic species that had disappeared from the region due to hunting.Visitors can witness the feeding of the big cats, usually around 5 PM. Birdwatchers can spot flamingos, ibises, herons, and spoonbills. DECAN also conducts educational programs for customs officers, police, and school children, raising awareness about the threats facing Djibouti's wildlife and the need to protect its natural heritage. DECAN has plans to extend its area to encompass a mangrove area, which would further contribute to the health and resilience of Djibouti's coastal ecosystem.