Millions of tourists flock to Egypt’s Pyramids every year. They come for history, wonder, and the iconic view. But behind the scenes, a hidden tragedy unfolds.
Horses and camels, forced to carry visitors around the ancient monuments, suffer in silence.
Investigations by PETA Asia reveal a shocking reality. Animals are worked for hours under the scorching sun. Water is scarce. Shade is almost non-existent. Many collapse from exhaustion while carrying tourists. The heat alone is enough to make some animals unable to continue.
Abuse goes beyond overwork. Videos show handlers whipping and beating horses and camels. Open wounds, raw skin rubbed by saddles and ropes, and untreated injuries are common. Many animals are emaciated. Some are so weak they cannot even lift their heads. These aren’t isolated incidents—they happen daily.
One of the most horrifying discoveries is a dumping ground behind the Pyramids. Dead horses are left to rot in the sand. Among them, a mummified horse stands as a stark symbol of neglect. This is not a rare sight. It is evidence of systemic cruelty.
Camels fare no better. When they slow down or fall ill, they are sold to slaughterhouses. Footage shows some being killed while still conscious. Starvation, exhaustion, and neglect are a daily reality for these animals. Veterinary care is minimal, despite repeated promises from authorities.
The Egyptian government has announced welfare programs for animals at tourist sites. Mobile veterinary clinics, vaccinations, and training centers have been promised. But PETA’s most recent footage shows little improvement. The suffering continues. Promises have yet to match reality.
Tourism fuels this cruelty. Ride operators rely on visitors paying for carriage and camel rides. Tourists often have no idea of the pain behind the scenes. But every ride contributes to the cycle of abuse. Ethical choices can make a difference. Choosing to avoid rides, or supporting organizations fighting for animal welfare, can save lives.
The Pyramids are timeless. They stand as monuments to human achievement. But behind them, a preventable tragedy unfolds every day. Horses and camels endure suffering that could be stopped with awareness, enforcement, and compassion.
Every visitor has the power to demand change and protect the animals that should never have to suffer in the shadow of history.