Egypt has launched an animal welfare, particularly horses and camels, at its iconic archaeological sites. The program signifies aligning Egypt’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary ethical standards.
Spearheaded by the Ministries of Tourism and Agriculture, the initiative involves a collaborative effort with civil society organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Veterinary convoys, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, are now traversing the country’s archaeological sites to provide vaccinations and health checks for animals.
Minister of Tourism, Sherif Fathy, emphasized the program’s far-reaching impact, stating, “This is just the beginning of a nationwide initiative to ensure the well-being of animals at all archaeological sites.” The ministry, in collaboration with veterinary experts, will prioritize sites based on urgency and scope, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
A key component of the program is the establishment of a dedicated veterinary unit at the Giza Pyramids Plateau’s Riding Zone. This unit will oversee the continuous health monitoring and immunization of camels and horses, guaranteeing their optimal well-being.
In this regard, Tourism Minister , Sherif Fathy, emphasized the holistic nature of the program. “It’s not just about immediate health concerns,” he said, “but also about long-term welfare through education and awareness.”
Minister of Agriculture highlighted the program’s commitment to providing free veterinary services. “This initiative extends to all archaeological sites, including Saqqara, Nazlet El-Simman, Luxor, and Aswan, and even reaches into rural communities,” he said.
The program, aligned with the presidential initiative “Bedaya,” has already deployed 850 veterinary convoys to serve over a million head of cattle.
This initiative reflects on Egypt’s commitment to responsible tourism and its dedication to preserving both its cultural heritage and the animals that have been an integral part of its history.
