Ahram Online , Monday 4 May 2026
Egyptian authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle rare wildlife at Cairo International Airport, seizing three sedated baby chimpanzees and a shipment of reptiles bound for India, the agriculture ministry said on Sunday.
The General Authority for Veterinary Services said an Egyptian passenger was apprehended while attempting to transport the animals, with the chimpanzees found in a fully sedated state that posed a direct threat to their lives.
Authorities immediately coordinated with the airport’s wildlife conservation unit to examine and classify the seized animals and determine their species, in preparation for applying the appropriate handling procedures based on their environmental and safety requirements.
Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk ordered the immediate confiscation of the animals in line with laws regulating the possession and trade of endangered species, the ministry said.
The chimpanzees and reptiles were transferred under veterinary supervision to ensure their recovery.
The animals were moved to Alexandria Zoo, where they will be housed.
Legal measures have been taken against those involved, with the case referred to the relevant authorities for investigation, the ministry said, stressing that Egypt will not tolerate violations affecting natural resources or breaches of international agreements.
The ministry added that the incident reflects intensified surveillance across border points and a broader crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking.
The seizure comes amid growing global pressure to curb illegal wildlife trafficking—a multi-billion-dollar black market among the world’s most lucrative illicit trades alongside drugs and arms, according to international conservation bodies.
Egypt is a signatory to the CITES, which regulates cross-border trade in endangered animals and plants through a permit system and obliges member states to criminalize illegal trafficking.
The country has tightened enforcement in recent years, particularly at major transit hubs such as Cairo International Airport, a key node on routes linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Chimpanzees are classified as endangered, and their capture and transport, especially when sedated, often result in high mortality rates, drawing strong scrutiny from conservation organizations.
Reptiles are also frequently targeted in illegal trade due to demand in exotic pet markets, with many species protected under CITES appendices.
Project to End Great Ape Slavery (PEGAS) 