Egypt
Zoos
The Giza Zoo in Cairo, Egypt, has been expelled from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums after failing an inspection, which found that the animals were being inhumanly killed and living in terrible conditions. The latest reports of tourists returning from the country also indicate that the zoo accepts bribes from the public, in exchange for touch-play sessions with the animals. This is extremely harmful to the welfare of animals and implies significant risks for tourists.
Donkey and horse riding
Tourists traveling to Egypt are often offered the possibility of riding donkeys and horses. These animals are forced to work on busy roads and in extreme weather conditions. Often malnourished and overexploited, they are very susceptible to injuries and infections, and unfortunately, as Egypt remains a relatively poor country, they usually do not receive any type of treatment. Tourists who want to use this means of transport should choose animals that appear to be in health and suitable for transporting loads and, above all, follow the advice given here.
Camel rides
Camels are the symbol of Egypt for many people, and that is why rides on the backs of these animals are so popular among tourists. Unfortunately, camels suffer many of the same problems as working horses such as overwork and injuries. Although camels seem strong and have a reputation for being tough animals, daily work with tourists and the extreme heat of the desert can be very harmful to their health.
For more information
National parks
More than 28 fragile ecosystems have been declared protected areas by the Egyptian authorities since 1980. The oldest national park in the country is Ras Mohamed, which is located at the junction of the gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. Many regions have been designated as government protected areas in recent years in an attempt to protect more ecosystems and encourage ecotourism in Egypt. Most of these areas are easily accessible while others require special permits from the authorities. The protected areas have an incredible biodiversity and include underwater coral reefs, desert ecosystems, Nile River islands and mountainous areas of the Sinai Peninsula.
Red sea
The Red Sea is biologically unique. Since it is narrow and surrounded by the desert, it suffers only rare storms and has low rainfall. Thus, the reefs are subject to natural disturbances. With more than a thousand species of fish and a great diversity of corals living in crystal clear waters with tropical temperatures, the Red Sea is one of the main tourist attractions in the world. Diving industry is essential for the local economy and yet, unfortunately, tourism related to diving is one of the main causes of damage to coral reefs.
To dive responsibly: here
Photos with crocodile hatchlings
In some locations in Egypt, such as Aswan, tourists are offered to take photos with young Nile crocodiles. As in the case of all animals used for this type of activities, we have living beings that have been taken from their natural habitat, often have been subjected to mutilations so that they cannot harm tourists, who live in poor conditions and will be replaced by others when they grow up and stop being useful.
More information about this topic here
Dolphinariums and swimming with dolphins
The Sharm el Sheikh Dolphinarium is a popular tourist attraction and here visitors can not only attend shows starring these animals, but also swim and interact with them in different ways.
We remind that the commercial shows of dolphinariums may seem fun but the reality behind them is very serious. There is scientific evidence showing that marine mammals suffer considerably in captivity where their behavioural and physiological needs are not met. Living in small pools without any environmental enrichment can cause stress and aggressiveness, reduce their life expectancy and cause numerous problems for their health.
A life in a concrete tank, constantly circling, will never be an acceptable substitute for the vast ocean. No being is born to live locked up, and dolphins, tireless travellers, never adapt to living in concrete tanks empty of stimuli. Their complex needs make them unfit for captivity, no matter how much it is tried to "enrich" their environment with balls and various games. Circus shows with these animals are also anti-educational and there are no viable ex situ dolphin research and conservation programs in dolphinariums.
More information SOSdelfines, Turismo Responsable
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Egypt:
Egyptian Mau Rescue Organization
Egyptian Society for mercy to animals
The Egyptian Society of animal Friends
Society for the protection of animal rights in Egypt
