In the first request in 29 years, he cited economic hardship and the climate crisis for dwindling herds and rising prices.

With Morocco’s sheep herds dwindling at an alarming rate, King Mohammed VI made a rare break with tradition by urging families to forego buying sheep to sacrifice during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, to take place in June, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim, or Abraham, to sacrifice his son on God's command. Muslims mark the event by slaughtering sheep or goats. The meat is shared among family and donated to the poor.