Whale Valley, or Wadi Al-Hitan, in Egypt's Western Desert, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's famous for its incredible fossil records, especially those of early whales. These fossils help us understand how whales evolved from land to water.
Paleontologists have found over 400 ancient whale skeletons there since the early 20th century. The Basilosaurus isis, a giant predator up to 18 meters long, is one of the most important finds. In August 2023, a nearly complete skeleton of this whale was discovered.
Also in August 2023, researchers found an extinct whale species called Tutcetus rayanensis, which lived 41 million years ago. This discovery adds to the evidence of whales' transition to aquatic life.
Whale Valley is an open-air museum with a visitor center. It's protected, and visitors can only take photos, leaving the site as they found it. The weather in the area was hazy sunshine with a temperature of 38°C (100°F) on July 4, 2025.
Whale Valley is a key site for studying whale evolution. Its well-preserved fossils offer a unique look into the past, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in natural history.