Mermaid Fossil

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Wadi El Hitan (Arabic: وادي الحيتان‎, “Whale Valley”) emerges in Egypt's Faiyum Governorate as a premier paleontological site. Strategically located 150 km southwest of Cairo, it has earned recognition from UNESCO since July 2005. The site boasts an impressive collection of over 300 fossils, predominantly those of early whale species classified under the archaeoceti sub-order, which are now extinct. Unveiling the enigma surrounding the evolution of whales, Wadi El Hitan provides conclusive evidence of how these ocean-dwelling mammals evolved from land-based ancestors. Its distinct combination of sheer volume, concentration, and quality of fossils, coupled with its accessibility within a protected area in an attractive landscape, has solidified its position as a unique archaeological site worthy of protection. This is precisely why Wadi El Hitan was added to the list of UNESCO's World Heritage sites for its exceptional preservation.