Animal welfare advocates in Egypt are calling for an official investigation after images and videos circulated online allegedly showing flamingos confined inside glass enclosures near bathroom entrances at a tourist development associated with Horizon Egypt Developments.
“Why imprison birds that are meant to live, fly, and migrate together in flocks of hundreds? Why, in 2026, are we still acting as though these animals belong to us, that we can do whatever we want with them?” Amina El-Shazly, cofounder of Leaf Animals, said in a statement.
In an official statement, the company said that various migratory bird species began arriving at the project naturally after the beach was prepared and opened, including the Greater Flamingo. According to Horizon Egypt, the area provides a suitable habitat for birds due to its extensive green spaces, dense vegetation, calm surroundings, available water sources, and coastal environment.
The photos, widely shared on social media, appear to show the birds being kept in glass display cases reportedly located near restroom facilities, prompting accusations that the animals were being used as decorative attractions rather than housed in conditions appropriate for wildlife.
The controversy has prompted growing calls for Egypt’s Ministry of Environment to investigate the incident, determine whether wildlife protection laws were violated, and hold any responsible parties accountable.
Advocates are also urging authorities to establish stronger oversight to prevent the use of wild animals as decorative attractions in commercial developments.
Following public criticism, some witnesses claimed that the birds were no longer present in the enclosure. According to posts shared online, a representative from Horizon Egypt Developments allegedly showed that the birds had since been released onto the beach and seemed to make light of the situation.
However, advocates rejected that explanation, arguing that the location where the birds were allegedly released was not appropriate habitat: “Not their natural habitat. These birds do not belong on the Mediterranean coast, especially not in crowded tourist resorts full of noise and activity.”
Under Egyptian law, wildlife and animal protection regulations prohibit the unlawful capture, possession, or exploitation of protected wild animals.
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