Egyptian archaeologists unveil amazing array of newly discovered animal mummies including lion cub, crocodiles, birds and cats
Experts from the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities on Saturday unveiled a group of newly discovered animal mummies.
Two lion cubs, several crocodiles, and birds and cats were found in the Djoser pyramid in Saqqara, south of Cairo.
Mummies and a variety of artifacts were also discovered on site.
"Many of the artifacts have been found at the site, all of which are highly valued from the Egyptian point of view to learn more about this area," said Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani.
The Saqqara Plateau has at least 11 pyramids, including the Step Pyramid and hundreds of tombs, from the First Dynasty (2920 BC - 2770 BC) to the Coptic Period (395-642).
The secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mustafa Waziri, said local archaeologists have discovered a hideout of hundreds of stuffed animals, birds and crocodiles.
He said that among the objects discovered were two lion cubs.
Stuffed cats are found by archaeologists frequently but finding a lion is rare.
Experts found in 2004, the first skeleton of a lion was found in Saqqara, which revealed the sacred status of the animal in ancient times.