The Egyptian Wildlife Office of the Veterinary Services Authority at Cairo International Airport has foiled an attempt to smuggle 175 desert curlews, said Abdel Hakim Mahmoud, Head of the General Authority of Veterinary Services. Desert curlews are an endangered species; hunting or trading in them is strictly banned in Egypt.
The birds were handed to the Giza Zoo until it is decided how they would be dealt with.
The smugglers are undergoing legal proceedings.
The Egyptian Wildlife Office of the Veterinary Services Authority was set up at Cairo International Airport to strictly monitor and control all export and import of wildlife: animals, reptiles, and birds, according to directives by Agriculture Minister Sayed al-Qassir.
Watani International
15 November 2020