Whale Valley

　　   Located in a dried-up riverbed in Egypt’s western desert, Whale Valley holds the rare fossilized remains of some of the last known legged whales on Earth—creatures now extinct. These fossils represent a crucial stage in whale evolution, illustrating their transition from sea-dwelling mammals to early land animals. It is one of the world’s most significant sites showcasing this pivotal evolutionary phase. The site vividly depicts the shape and life of these whales during their transformational period.

　　   Thanks to its accessibility, stunning environment, and protected landscape, Whale Valley boasts an unparalleled quantity, concentration, and quality of fossils. The fossils found here show whales in the early stages of losing their hind limbs. Though their skulls and teeth still retain primitive features, they already display the typical modern body form of whales. Other fossils found in situ allow researchers to reconstruct the surrounding environment and ecology of that time.

　　   Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)    Must-visit reason: Evidence of a key stage in evolution    Continent: Africa【Africa】    Country/Region: Egypt[Egypt]    Province/State: Faiyum Governorate [Faiyum Governorate]