Stray Dog Spotted on Great Pyramid of Giza Captivates Paragliders and Social Media
Paragliders soaring over Egypt’s iconic Great Pyramids recently encountered an unexpected companion at the top of one of the ancient wonders—a stray dog enjoying the view. The unusual sight was first noticed by US paraglider Marshall Mosher and his group while flying over the pyramids at sunrise.
Mosher described the moment to CNN Travel: “We noticed something running back and forth on top of the pyramid. One person thought it was a mountain lion.” Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a dog playfully chasing birds at the summit of Khafre, the second tallest pyramid standing at 136 meters (448 feet). The pyramids are off-limits to humans, which made the discovery even more fascinating.
Initially concerned that the dog might be stuck, Mosher’s worries were short-lived. He joked, “If he got himself up, he can get himself down unless he found some secret portal that helped him teleport to the top of the pyramids.”
Viral Fame for the Adventurous Dog
The video footage, shared by Mosher and fellow paraglider Alex Lang, quickly went viral. Mosher’s post on Instagram received millions of views overnight, sparking global attention. Lang humorously commented that the dog seemed like “the king of the pyramid,” as it confidently barked and ran across the ancient structure.
Social media users flooded the posts with comments, comparing the dog to Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, often depicted with a jackal head. Others shared heartfelt responses, with one user writing that the dog was “completely unaware of the pyramid’s history, just barking at birds and living in the moment.”
@marshallmosher A dog is stuck all the way on top of the #greatpyramids original sound – Brett Loveland
Strays at the Pyramids
Stray dogs are a common sight around the Pyramids complex in Cairo, although this is the first known instance of one reaching the summit of Khafre. Hundreds of strays roam the area, often seen lounging closer to the base of the pyramids.
Mosher, who frequently paraglides over the pyramids as part of an annual event organized by SkyOne Egypt, has expressed concern for the safety of the dogs. He is actively seeking animal shelters in Cairo to help these stray animals find homes.
Paragliding Over the Great Pyramids
For paragliders, soaring over the Great Pyramids of Giza is a breathtaking experience. Organized by SkyOne Egypt, these powered paragliding tours offer a unique perspective of Egypt’s ancient wonders. Mosher, a regular participant in these events, said that while flying over the pyramids is always remarkable, the sight of a stray dog on top of Khafre made this trip unforgettable. “I can see why the dog wanted to go up there—it’s the best view for a Cairo street dog,” Mosher said.
The next day, Mosher and his group flew over the pyramids again, but the dog was no longer visible. However, another video surfaced showing what appeared to be the same dog safely descending from the pyramid. It remains unclear if this was the same adventurous pup, but the viral fame of the stray dog continues to captivate viewers worldwide.
A Feel-Good Moment
The story of the pyramid-climbing dog resonated with people across the globe. “I think it resonates because it’s just a feel-good story—a dog, happy, barking at birds, enjoying the view,” said Lang. With over a million views across various platforms, the stray dog of Giza has quickly become a symbol of carefree adventure, reminding us of the simple joy animals bring to our lives.
Could this be Anubis reincarnated? Many online commentators seem to think so, but one thing is certain: this dog’s adventure at the top of one of the world’s most famous landmarks has captured the hearts of many.