7 Shocking Facts About Apollo, The Stray Dog Who Conquered The Great Pyramid Of Giza

The internet was recently captivated by a truly unbelievable sight: a stray dog, later nicknamed Apollo, casually wandering atop one of the most ancient and protected monuments on Earth—the Great Pyramid of Giza. This incredible feat, captured by a passing paramotorist in late 2025, instantly went viral, sparking a global conversation that ranged from awe and amusement to serious concerns about the safety and security of the Giza Necropolis.

This modern-day canine conquest, however, is not an isolated incident but rather a fascinating echo of the deep, spiritual connection that dogs have held with this sacred land for millennia. From the bustling streets of modern Cairo to the ancient tombs of the pharaohs, the "Giza Pyramids Dog" phenomenon connects a viral sensation with the powerful legacy of the ancient Egyptian god Anubis.

The Viral Sensation: Apollo the 'Pyramid Puppy' Profile

The dog who achieved this unprecedented climb is a local stray, a common sight around the Giza Plateau, and has been given a few nicknames by his new global fanbase. This section provides a profile of the canine star, Apollo, whose short video clip turned him into an overnight international sensation.

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• Name: Apollo (The name gained traction after the video went viral).
• Alternate Nicknames: The "Pyramid Puppy," the "Anubis Pup," and the "Dog Who Conquered The Great Pyramids."
• Species/Breed: A stray or feral dog, typical of the local Egyptian Baladi dog population.
• Location of Fame: The summit of one of the three main Pyramids of Giza, most likely the Pyramid of Khafre (The Second Pyramid).
• Discovery Method: Spotted and filmed by a paraglider or paramotorist, Alex Lang, who was flying over the restricted airspace near the monument.
• Current Status: Safely returned to the ground and continues to roam the Giza complex, now a minor tourist attraction in his own right.

Apollo’s climb was particularly noteworthy because scaling the pyramids is strictly forbidden and is considered an extremely dangerous and illegal act for humans. His ability to navigate the massive, irregular blocks of the structure without apparent injury left millions of viewers stunned.

The Incredible Ascent: How Apollo Scaled an Ancient Wonder

The footage of Apollo, the stray dog, at the top of the pyramid quickly became one of the most talked-about animal videos of the year. The sheer improbability of the climb—a dog reaching an elevation of over 136 meters (446 feet)—raised immediate questions about the logistics and the security of the ancient site.

The Moment of Discovery and Global Reaction

The viral video showed the small, dark-colored canine standing near the apex of the massive stone structure, seemingly unbothered by the height or the historical significance of his perch. The paraglider who filmed the event expressed genuine shock, confirming that the dog was far above the ground and appeared to have made the entire journey unaided.

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The immediate global reaction was a mix of delight and concern. On one hand, Apollo was hailed as a modern-day hero, a symbol of resilience and determination. On the other hand, conservationists and Egyptian authorities were concerned about the breach of security and the potential for the dog to be injured or to cause damage to the fragile limestone casing stones of the pyramid.

Local tour guides and residents familiar with the Giza complex were quick to point out that stray dogs, or "Baladi dogs," are a common feature of the desert environment. These animals are known for their intelligence and tenacity, often surviving by scavenging and navigating the complex terrain of the plateau. The fact that Apollo was a stray, known to many around the site, only added to the legend.

The Aftermath: A Boost for Local Tourism and Dog Awareness

The viral sensation had an unexpected positive impact on the area. The "pyramid puppy" news drove a new wave of curiosity, with some tourists specifically hoping to catch a glimpse of Apollo or his pack. This boosted the local economy and put a spotlight on the stray dog population in Giza.

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Furthermore, the event led to a surge in comparisons between Apollo and Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, embalming, and the afterlife, who is famously depicted with the head of a jackal or a dog. Tour guides began using the story to connect modern visitors with the deep history of canines in Egyptian mythology, calling him the "Anubis Pup" and suggesting his presence was a sign of the gods.

The Deep History: Dogs and the Spiritual World of Ancient Giza

While Apollo's climb is a modern phenomenon, the presence and reverence for dogs near the Giza Pyramids and the surrounding necropolis are rooted in thousands of years of history. Dogs were not just pets in Ancient Egypt; they were revered companions, protectors, and crucial figures in the journey to the afterlife.

Anubis: The Jackal-Headed God

The most famous connection between canines and the Giza area is the powerful god Anubis. Anubis's image—a man with the head of a jackal or a dog—was inspired by the wild canids, specifically the jackals and feral dogs, that roamed the ancient cemeteries and desert edges, often seen near fresh burials.

The ancient Egyptians believed Anubis played a vital role in the funeral process, overseeing the embalming rituals and guiding the souls of the deceased through the underworld. The proximity of the wild dogs to the burial grounds, including the vast Giza Necropolis and the nearby Saqqara complex, cemented the canine's association with protection and the transition to the afterlife.

Archaeological Evidence: Millions of Mummified Canines

The sheer scale of dog worship is evidenced by massive archaeological discoveries near the Giza Plateau. The ancient burial ground of Saqqara, which lies just south of Giza, is the site of one of the most astonishing finds: a vast catacomb dedicated to the god Anubis, containing the remains of an estimated 8 million mummified dogs, jackals, and foxes.

This discovery, first made in the 19th century, highlights the importance of the canine as a sacred animal. Many of these mummified animals were sacrificial offerings, dedicated to Anubis by pilgrims hoping to secure the god's favor. The scale of the dog catacombs at Saqqara demonstrates that the dog was a central figure in the religious life of the region for millennia, not just a casual companion.

Further excavations have also uncovered evidence of dogs as cherished pets. Discoveries of individual canine burials, sometimes with their names inscribed on coffins (such as a dog named Heb, dating back to the Middle Kingdom), show that dogs held a dual role: both sacred symbols and beloved members of the household.

The Enduring Legacy of the Giza Dog

The story of Apollo the "Pyramid Puppy" serves as a perfect modern metaphor for the timeless connection between man, dog, and the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. Whether you see Apollo as a mischievous stray, a symbol of the enduring Baladi dog spirit, or a reincarnation of Anubis watching over the necropolis, his viral climb has re-energized the conversation about the Giza Plateau.

From the millions of mummified offerings at Saqqara to the solitary figure of Apollo at the peak of Khafre’s Pyramid, the dog remains an inseparable part of the Giza landscape. The modern stray dog continues the legacy of the ancient canine—a creature of the desert, a companion to man, and a powerful, enduring symbol of the transition between worlds.