Under the scorching Egyptian sun, visitors at the Giza Pyramids were captivated not just by the ancient wonders, but by a new attraction Apollo, a scrappy stray dog. Apollo became an overnight sensation after a video showed him scaling the Great Pyramid of Khafre, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The viral footage, shared by American paragliding enthusiast Alex Lang, showed Apollo barking triumphantly from the summit, catching the attention of people worldwide.
“He was acting like a king,” Lang remarked, recalling the daring scene. Apollo’s climb has sparked global interest in the pack of stray dogs that have long made their home among the pyramid stones. Tourists are now eager to catch a glimpse of Apollo, who has become a beloved fixture in the area.
Tourists, like Polish visitor Arkadiusz Jurys, were fascinated by Apollo’s antics. “It’s unusual,” he said, watching the dog surveying the crowds from above. Others, like Diego Vega from Argentina, felt a deeper connection, with Vega even petting one of Apollo’s pack members, calling it a special bond with Egypt’s ancient past.
Local tour guides have capitalized on Apollo’s fame, now weaving him into their stories. Some even compare Apollo to Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, given his resemblance to the jackal-headed deity. Apollo’s newfound popularity has also benefited local businesses, with souvenir sales seeing a boost as tourists seek to meet the “pyramid dogs.”
Umm Basma, a local vendor, noted an increase in sales thanks to the dog’s viral fame. “We never thought they would become a blessing for us,” she said, referring to the dogs that have always roamed the pyramids.
Apollo, a three-year-old Baladi dog, leads a pack of about eight dogs that call the ancient ruins home. The Baladi breed, known for its resilience and intelligence, thrives in Egypt’s harsh climate. Apollo, born in a crevice within the Khafre pyramid, is described as the “alpha male” of the group, and his courage and strength have made him a local icon. His mother, Laika, found shelter in the pyramid ruins, but some of Apollo’s siblings did not survive the dangerous heights.
Inspired by Apollo’s story, some visitors have made connections with the stray dogs, with Marshall Mosher adopting Anubi, Apollo’s daughter, to bring her to the US. In response to the growing attention, local animal care groups are collaborating with the government to provide food and water stations for the strays, as well as other animals like camels and horses. A permanent veterinary center will be set up at the pyramids, and staff will receive training in animal care.
Vicki Michelle Brown, co-founder of the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation, believes Apollo’s story can help improve the lives of stray animals in Egypt. “I definitely believe his climbing the pyramids can make a difference,” she said, shining a light on the challenges faced by stray dogs and cats in the region.
