Endangered species found in Alexandria to be returned to natural habitat

CAIRO – 3 October 2018: A number of endangered animal species was found in Alexandria governorate during inspection campaigns launched and supervised by the Ministry of Environment.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the animals included one African Lion cub, three guenon monkeys, two desert Hawks, a snake of Indian origin, a Peafowl and a rare short-legged horse.


A Peafowl found in Alexandria governorate during inspection campaigns launched and supervised by the Ministry of Environment - Press Photo


All of these animals were found in the possession of individuals, according to the statement. Additionally, other animals were found inside one of the famous restaurants in Alexandria including two Dorcas gazelles and three sea turtles.

The animals were seized by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency along with the Environment and Surface Police to take all necessary measures for these animals to be returned once again to their natural habitat.

The Surface Police also found a 526 cm dead whale on one of Alexandria's shores. The whale died after being attacked by marine predators which left obvious marks on different parts of the whale’s body.

Last January, a18-meter fin whale was found dead on the shore of the Moharram Bek district in Egypt’s Alexandria. The Egyptian Rescue team lifted the 4-ton whale and handed it to the National Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries.

In May, a blue whale was spotted swimming in the Egyptian international waters in Taba for the first time by marine biologists.


Three sea turtles found in Alexandria governorate during inspection campaigns launched and supervised by the Ministry of Environment - Press Photo


In an interview with Egypt Today, Hisham Gabr, head of the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports, said that the blue whale was spotted in Egypt’s city of Taba, but no one could capture photos for it. Taba is on the border near Eilat.




Gabr affirmed that the blue whale does not pose any danger to tourists and divers.
The Egyptian Ministry of Environment said in a statement that it monitored the movement of the giant creature, adding that the blue whale might have lost his way while travelling to the north seeking cold water areas.




Snake of Indian origin found in Alexandria governorate during inspection campaigns launched and supervised by the Ministry of Environment - Press Photo