On October 14, Apollo, a young stray dog, captured the hearts of millions when he was spotted atop the iconic Pyramid of Khafre in the Giza necropolis. His extraordinary ascent was captured by Alex Lang, an adventure-seeking paraglider pilot from Atlanta, who described Apollo as standing confidently, “like he was king or maybe pharaoh of the hill.”
The video, showing Apollo frolicking atop the 448-foot limestone monument, quickly went viral, amassing 28 million views on Instagram and trending across social media platforms. The sight of the dog high above the ancient site sparked a wave of fascination and speculation. Many online commenters likened Apollo to Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, often depicted with the head of a jackal.
However, local workers at the Giza pyramid complex had already given the stray his earthly identity: Apollo.
A Star Rises Over Giza
Apollo’s newfound fame sheds light on the many stray dogs who call the Giza complex home. According to Vicki Michelle Brown, co-founder of the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation, Apollo is just one of many animals that roam the area. Brown and her partner, Ibrahim Elbendary, live near the pyramids and regularly advocate for the care and safety of these animals.
“We’ve seen Apollo before,” Brown said. “He’s a curious spirit, always exploring. But seeing him atop the pyramid? That was a first.”
Adventure and Mystery
Lang, who filmed Apollo during his paramotoring flight over the necropolis, never imagined the moment would become an international sensation. The sport itself, which involves flying with a small engine and wing strapped to your back, offers a bird’s-eye view of Egypt’s ancient treasures. Yet it was Apollo, perched high above the sands of time, who stole the show.
As the video circulated, questions arose: How did Apollo climb to such a height? Was it sheer determination, or had the dog managed to navigate unseen pathways used by maintenance workers? Regardless of the logistics, Apollo’s moment atop the pyramid felt almost symbolic—a connection between the ancient world and the resilience of modern creatures.
Protecting Apollo and Others Like Him
The viral fame of Apollo brings attention to the ongoing efforts to care for stray animals in Cairo. Organizations like the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation work tirelessly to provide food, medical care, and shelter for the many dogs and cats that live near historical sites.
As for Apollo, his day as “king of the pyramid” might be a one-time event, but his story serves as a reminder of the connection between humanity, history, and the animals that share our world.
From a stray in Giza to a global sensation, Apollo’s ascent to fame proves that every dog truly does have its day.l.
