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Giza’s stray dogs are tourist draw after ‘pyramid puppy’ sensation

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Giza’s Stray Dogs are Tourist Draw after ‘Pyramid Puppy’ Sensation

A New Attraction at the Giza Pyramids

Beneath the blazing Egyptian sun, crowds at the Giza Pyramids gazed up at the ancient wonders, but some had their eyes peeled for a new attraction. “There he is,” one Polish tourist told his wife as they spotted a scrappy dog perched on one of the stones. They were talking about Apollo, a stray who became an overnight sensation last month after being filmed scaling the Great Pyramid of Khafre, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Apollo’s Daring Climb

The viral footage, captured by American paragliding enthusiast Alex Lang and shared online by his friend Marshall Mosher, showed Apollo fearlessly climbing the 136-metre monument, barking at birds from the summit. “He was acting like a king,” Lang told AFP.

A Newfound Fame

As news of Apollo’s daring climb spread worldwide, interest grew in the dogs who have long made their homes among the ancient stones. “He is climbing over there,” said Arkadiusz Jurys, a tourist from Poland, craning his neck for a better view. “It is unusual,” he added, describing Apollo as surveying the picture-snapping crowd from above.

Connecting with the Dogs

Another visitor, Diego Vega from Argentina, felt a special bond with the dogs. “Connecting with them feels like connecting with the pharaohs,” he said, while petting a member of Apollo’s pack.

Sales Up

Apollo’s newfound fame has even inspired local guides to include him and his pack in their stories for tourists. “This is Anubis,” one tour guide told two American tourists, comparing Apollo, now known as the “pyramid puppy”, with the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, often depicted as a man with a jackal’s head.

Business Boost

Businesses around the Giza plateau are also seeing a boost. Umm Basma, a 43-year-old woman selling souvenirs near the Khafre pyramid, reported an increase in sales thanks to the influx of tourists eager to meet the so-called pyramid dogs. “We’ve always seen these dogs climbing the pyramids, but we never thought they would become a blessing for us,” she said.

Apollo’s Pack

Apollo, a three-year-old Baladi dog, is part of a pack of about eight that has made their home among the ancient ruins. The dogs, a local breed, are known for their resilience, intelligence, and ability to survive in Egypt’s harsh climate. Ibrahim el-Bendary, co-founder of the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation, which monitors the pyramid dogs, described Apollo as the pack’s “alpha male.” “He is the bravest and strongest in his pack,” he said.

Apollo’s Story

Apollo was born in a rocky crevice within the Khafre pyramid where his mother, Laika, found shelter. Sadly, some of Apollo’s siblings did not survive the site’s perilous heights. A sympathetic guard eventually relocated Laika to a safer spot where Apollo now stands out with his distinctive curled tail and confident nature.

Dog Adoptions

The initial focus of Lang and Marshall was the daring canine climber, but their visit led to a deeper connection with Cairo’s stray dogs. Intrigued by the challenges they face, Mosher decided to adopt a puppy from the pack: Anubi, who is Apollo’s daughter. Anubi will join Marshall in the US after she receives the dedicated care she needs in Egypt to grow up healthy.

Helping the Strays

At the pyramids, local animal care groups are now working with the government in order to set up food and water stations for the strays, as well as for other animals including camels and horses. A permanent veterinary centre will be established at the pyramids with staff set to receive animal care training, said Egypt’s tourism minister.

Conclusion

Apollo’s story has shed light on the plight of Egypt’s stray dogs and has inspired a movement to help them. With the help of local animal care groups and the government, the strays at the pyramids will receive the care and attention they need to thrive.

FAQs

Q: What is the story of Apollo, the “pyramid puppy”?
A: Apollo is a three-year-old Baladi dog who became famous after being filmed scaling the Great Pyramid of Khafre. He is part of a pack of about eight stray dogs that have made their home among the ancient ruins.

Q: Why are the stray dogs at the pyramids so resilient?
A: The dogs, a local breed, are known for their intelligence, ability to survive in Egypt’s harsh climate, and resilience.

Q: How can I help the stray dogs at the pyramids?
A: You can help by supporting local animal care groups and the government’s efforts to provide food, water, and veterinary care to the strays. You can also consider adopting a stray dog from the pack.

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