The majestic Giza Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, have long captivated travelers with their timeless allure. However, beneath the surface of this iconic destination lies a troubling reality: the exploitation and abuse of animals used for tourist rides. Despite global awareness and advocacy, certain travel companies continue to promote these inhumane practices.news
🐪 The Stark Reality: Animal Suffering at the Pyramids
Investigations by PETA Asia have unveiled harrowing scenes of cruelty. Horses and camels, deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and shade, are subjected to grueling labor under the scorching Egyptian sun. Many animals bear visible injuries, including open wounds and broken limbs, often inflicted by handlers using whips and other implements. Once deemed unfit for work, these animals are discarded, with some found dead or left to die in deplorable conditions. PETA Investigations
At the Birqash Camel Market, camels endure further abuse, including beatings and neglect. When no longer useful for tourism, many are sold for slaughter, their deaths often violent and witnessed by other animals and even children. PETA Investigations
✈️ Travel Companies Still Complicit in Animal Exploitation
Despite widespread condemnation, some travel companies persist in endorsing animal rides at the Giza Pyramids. Notably, AAA Mid States and On the Go Tours continue to promote these exploitative activities, disregarding the well-being of the animals involved.
🌟 Victory for Compassion: Marriott Takes a Stand
In a significant move towards ethical tourism, Marriott International has announced that it will no longer offer or promote camel and horse rides at the Giza Pyramids. This decision follows discussions with PETA and aligns with the company’s commitment to responsible travel practices. Marriott joins over 50 other travel entities, including Airbnb, British Airways Holidays, and Grand Circle Corporation, in ceasing support for animal rides in Egypt. PETA
🛑 Call to Action: Demand an End to Animal Exploitation
While this victory marks progress, much work remains. We urge travelers to take the following actions:
- Avoid participating in animal rides: Refrain from supporting activities that exploit animals for entertainment.PETA
- Contact travel companies: Express your concerns to companies that still promote animal rides, urging them to adopt cruelty-free policies.
- Support ethical tourism: Choose tour operators and accommodations that prioritize animal welfare and sustainable practices.
- Advocate for policy change: Encourage Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to implement a nationwide ban on animal rides at all tourist sites.
🌍 A Sustainable Future for Egypt’s Tourism
The introduction of electric buses at the Giza Pyramids is a step towards sustainable tourism. These eco-friendly vehicles provide a humane alternative to animal-drawn carriages, reducing both environmental impact and animal suffering. Continued investment in such initiatives is essential for the ethical progression of Egypt’s tourism industry. news+1PETA Asia+1
Your voice matters. By choosing not to support animal rides and advocating for change, you contribute to a future where tourism does not come at the expense of animal welfare. Together, we can ensure that the wonders of the Giza Pyramids are experienced with respect and compassion for all living beings.PETA Asia+1PETA Asia+1
We have good news to share with you: Yesterday in Egypt, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy and Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk launched the National Programme for the Care and Protection of Horses, Camels, and Pets at Archaeological Sites.
This program could mark a positive change, although it’s too early to tell whether it will be truly impactful or merely a response to pressure. At PETA, we’ve seen governments announce initiatives that sound great but fail to change things on the ground. Thanks to your efforts and those of others who have contacted Egyptian officials, the pressure to make positive changes for animals is clearly being felt. Since tourists and travel agencies are now avoiding Egypt’s famous sites, authorities decided that they had to act.
Now is not the time to let up. Words alone won’t create change—only real action will. Many of the worst abuses occur just outside the park gates, where horses and camels, ridden nearly to death, are dumped in trash pits once they’re no longer useful. The government has a lot of work to do if it’s serious about making changes. The only reliable way to ensure that horses and camels don’t suffer is to keep them away from the pyramids altogether.
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