Remember our feature about the dog who climbed up Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza? No, this is not an update to whatever he is doing after a moment of internet virality, but this is an important matter to be tackled about ancient relics and animal control. While this may be amazing and funny to some, others raised their concern for Giza’s Ancient monuments by some netizens.
The concerns were understandable because each year, more than 14 million tourists visit The Great Pyramid of Giza, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These pyramids were built to house the graves of pharaohs who once ruled Egypt.
In case you missed it, Marshall Mosher, a paraglider, shared his video online about his paragliding experience over flying at the Pyramid of Khafre. He then emphasized the dog that was climbing on top of the 4,500-year-old pyramid, which was caught on cam. At first, Mosher was shocked since the pyramid was about 449.5 feet tall, and one mistake could cost the dog his life.
Mosher later posted it on his Instagram and TikTok, where it quickly became viral. The next day, he felt the responsibility to check the dog and call for a rescue if ever the dog was stuck on top, but to his surprise, the dog had already come down. Mosher assured the viewers that the dog was 100% safe and that he learned that the stray dogs around the area often go up and down the pyramid trail all the time.
The Problem
Many of the world’s population have yet to see the pyramids, and what most of us don’t know is that there are a number of stray dogs around the area. About hundreds of them roam around the base of the pyramids. Many people were left concerned after seeing Mosher’s viral video of a dog on top of the pyramid, as these structures are already vulnerable to both wildlife and human disturbance. Even the most minor damages, such as the dog accidentally leaving a chip on one of the structures, could have long-term consequences.
As of writing, there are no comments or precautions by the Egyptian authorities over the problem of stray dogs possibly destroying the ancient pyramids. But it is a known fact by many that human access is strictly regulated and climbing up has been illegal since the 1980s. However, there are no laws or rules pertaining to non-human visitors, such as dogs who are part of the wildlife.
It is unclear whether the dog or any of the dogs have caused damage to the structures, but doing so might cause erosion, especially on ancient stones that were used to build the pyramids. Some have also raised concerns about hygiene, as the waste from dogs or the biological residue left might affect the site in the near future.
RELATED: Paraglider Captures Dog on Top of The Great Pyramid of Giza
Call For Action
Wildlife around the area could definitely destroy the ancient relics, and we wouldn’t want that to happen, right? But, of course, it is important to note that these dogs do not know anything, and they shouldn’t be blamed or discarded in a manner that puts them in a bad light. It should be the authorities who should act on the problem.
Below are the safe strategies that would keep stray dogs away from the pyramids:
- Adoption Programs – This should be in partnership with the local dog shelters where they could get all the stray dogs and place them in shelters. Effective social media campaigns could convince netizens to adopt these dogs while we’re celebrating Adopt a Shelter Dog Month this October.
- Spay and Neuter Campaigns – Another underlying issue of stray dogs around the area is the number of puppies that these dogs produce. Implementing such a campaign may lessen the population of dogs roaming around the pyramids. However, this should be on a case-to-case basis so it’s important that an opinion of a veterinarian should be consulted when the authorities would decide to spay or neuter.
- Regular Patrols – While the strategies listed above are being regulated, it is also important that there should be a group of regular patrols in the area to keep dogs away from the pyramid. However, the authorities should make sure that these patrols wouldn’t hurt the dogs who will attempt to climb the pyramids.
RELATED: How a Couple Changed a Shelter Puppy’s Life Forever
From The Club
While writing the first story about the stray dog on top of the pyramid, I feel a mix of amazement and concern for both the dog and the structure. We, as owners, should know how to control our pets and not let them wander around, especially in historical sites such as the pyramids. I’m in for restricting dogs to roam around freely but it should be under safe circumstances that won’t hurt or harm them in any way.
