• Wildlife smuggling attempt at airport intercepted
• Confiscated animals transferred for veterinary care and investigation launched

Egyptian authorities at Cairo International Airport have foiled an attempt to smuggle three baby chimpanzees alongside a group of rare reptiles that were en route to India, in an incident described as highly dangerous due to the inhumane transport conditions that put the animals at serious risk.

Security and customs officials, in coordination with the General Authority for Veterinary Services, arrested a passenger while attempting to conceal the animals in prepared luggage. The young chimpanzees were found fully sedated, posing an immediate threat to their survival.

A search operation also uncovered around ten containers holding rare reptiles, which were immediately seized inside the airport and placed under precautionary control measures to ensure their safety.

Officials stated that the animals were transferred under specialized veterinary supervision for proper medical monitoring, with a decision made to place them in Alexandria Zoo for care and observation.

Legal procedures have been initiated against those involved, as authorities continue investigations into the circumstances of the case and potential wildlife trafficking networks.