Tourists at the Giza Pyramids have a new attraction to marvel at—Apollo, a stray dog who has recently become a viral sensation.
Visitors are now looking beyond the ancient stones to catch a glimpse of this scrappy dog.
Apollo shot to fame after being filmed scaling the Great Pyramid of Khafre. The viral footage, captured by American paragliding enthusiast Alex Lang and shared by his friend Marshall Mosher, shows Apollo fearlessly climbing the 136-metre monument, barking at birds from the summit. Lang described the scene, saying, “He was acting like a king.”
Apollo’s daring climb quickly spread online, drawing global attention and turning him into an unexpected tourist attraction.
Crowds gathered, hoping to spot the now-famous “pyramid puppy.” One visitor from Argentina, Diego Vega, even felt a special connection with Apollo and his pack, comparing the experience to connecting with the ancient pharaohs.
Local guides have also begun including Apollo in their tours, introducing him to visitors as if he were a legendary figure akin to Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god. Tour guide Sobhi Fakhry noted that the stray dogs have now become part of the stories they share with tourists.
As per the news agency AFP, Apollo’s fame has also brought a boost to local businesses. Umm Basma, a souvenir seller near the Khafre pyramid, reported increased sales thanks to the influx of tourists eager to meet the “pyramid dogs.” The stray’s newfound popularity has even attracted celebrities, with some paying for permits to photograph their pets alongside Apollo, according to a pyramid guard.
A three-year-old Baladi dog, Apollo is the leader of a pack of about eight dogs that roam the ancient site. Known for their resilience and intelligence, these local dogs have adapted to Egypt’s harsh climate.
Ibrahim el-Bendary, co-founder of the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation, describes Apollo as the alpha male of the group, a testament to his strength and leadership. Apollo was born among the ancient ruins, in a rocky crevice within the Khafre Pyramid where his mother, Laika, sought shelter.
Despite the harsh conditions, Apollo thrived, becoming known for his distinctive curled tail and confident demeanour.
The international attention sparked by Apollo’s climb has also highlighted the plight of stray animals in Egypt. Lang and Mosher’s visit inspired them to connect more deeply with Cairo’s stray dogs, leading Mosher to adopt a puppy from Apollo’s pack named Anubi.
She will soon join him in the US after receiving proper care in Egypt. In response to Apollo’s fame, local animal care groups, along with the Egyptian government, are now collaborating to set up food and water stations for the stray animals around the pyramids, as well as other animals like camels and horses.
Plans are also underway to establish a permanent veterinary centre on the site, with training for staff in animal care.
Vicki Michelle Brown, the other co-founder of the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation, believes that Apollo’s story could bring positive change.
She expressed hope that the attention on Apollo will shine a light on the many dogs and cats in Egypt who need help. “I definitely believe him climbing the pyramids can help all of the dogs in Egypt to have a better life,” she said.
Apollo’s unexpected rise to fame may not only be a heartwarming story but also a turning point for stray animal welfare in Egypt.