The Hidden Cruelty Behind Tourist Camel Rides: A Call to End Animal Abuse at Egypt’s Birqash Camel Market
At Egypt’s largest camel market, Birqash, PETA has once again captured video evidence of severe mistreatment of camels destined for meat, farm labor, or tourist rides. The market is chaotic, noisy, and dusty. After a stressful and tiring journey crammed in trucks, camels are harshly unloaded and traded.
Handlers often carry sticks and hit the camels, sometimes causing bloody injuries. The camels’ legs are tied to prevent them from moving freely. In one instance, a camel was dragged down a street while tied to the back of a truck, with no one stepping in to help.
According to an earlier PETA investigation, numerous camels bought at the Birqash market are taken to Egypt’s major historical attractions, like the Great Pyramid of Giza and Saqqara, to offer rides to tourists. Unfortunately, these animals receive no respite after years of service. When they are no longer physically capable of providing rides, they are sent back to the market to be slaughtered.
Tourists are left horrified and dismayed.
Travel review sites are flooded with comments from visitors condemning the mistreatment they observed of both camels and horses:
“I’ve traveled extensively and seen animal abuse, but what I witnessed at the pyramids was the worst. If you’re planning to visit, read up on this first—I wish I had. The horses and camels work in terrible conditions, enduring heat, lack of water, no rest, and beatings.”
“Injured camels are made to work without adequate hydration. We were not impressed and reported this to the staff, but they ignored us.”
“The welfare of camels and horses is terrible; under their blankets, they are emaciated. Riding these animals is abusive.”
“These poor horses and camels are beaten for any reason.”
“We chose not to ride any camels or horses after witnessing their treatment. We didn’t want to support the abuse, as the animals are overworked and it’s heartbreaking to see.”
Because of reports of animal mistreatment, Lonely Planet advises against visiting the Birqash Camel Market
Tourists perpetuate this cycle of cruelty.
By paying for animal rides, visitors directly contribute to their suffering. Please, wherever you travel, avoid involving animals in your activities. Refrain from taking rides on camels, horses, carriages, or elephants, and don’t force donkeys to carry your belongings.