Animals
National Animal
Steppe Eagle‘May you soar on eagle wings, high above the madness of the world.”
Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Dugongs, sharks, dolphins, turtles, seahorses, seals, sea cows and spectacular coral reefs in the Sinai Peninsula.
Birds:
Vulture, eagles, hawks, buzzards.
Land mammals:
Sand rats, hedgehogs, lions, cheetahs, foxes, wolves, dog, hyrax.
Snakes and insects:
Scorpions, crocodiles, lizards, scarabs, beetles.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
There are no strict laws forbidding cruelty to animals in Egypt. Stray dogs usually are killed in mass slaughtering sessions meant to cleanse the streets of strays.
In theCountryside
Donkeys are used commonly throughout the country as a means of transport and hauling supplies and are extremely important to some family’s survival. It is a common sight to see donkeys carrying huge loads under the sun along the roads. Camel's are also used for similar purposes and are sold in many marketplaces and small cities. Both are often mistreated and beaten.
Hunting or poaching:
Animals like elephants, rhinoceros, crocodiles and hippopotamus used to live in different parts of Egypt. These animals became extinct due to hunting and poaching in a large scale. Lately, Nile crocodiles poaching has become a regular practice.
Animal fights:
Bull leaping, dog and horse fights are still being practiced.
Sanctuaries to visit or volunteer:
N/A
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
