Kindness Towards Animals Transforms Lives — Theirs and Ours.
In a country where animal welfare laws are limited, Bilkes Ibrahim, an Egyptian animal rescuer, chose to become the voice for the voiceless.
Bilkes is the founder of Habiba and Friends Animal Shelter, now officially registered as a charity- Belqis Animal Welfare Foundation (2024) — a milestone achieved after seven years of relentless legal work, paperwork, and perseverance.
I first heard of Bilkes through an Egyptian Facebook group and was moved to action by a post that said:
What the Shelter Is Looking For:
🐶 Help feeding, playing, cuddling, and training dogs
I visited Bilkes’ animal sanctuary last month with the intention of volunteering.
I was so emotionally touched by what I witnessed.
Bikes’ love and compassion towards the animals in her shelter was limitless and unconditional.
I quickly realized that my offer to volunteer was significantly inadequate.
Instrumental support in the form of financial contributions would make the real difference for these precious souls.
I visited all the animals at the sanctuary.
I noticed that the area was spotless and fresh-smelling; the animals were clearly well cared for.
Because of my deep love and respect for animals, and appreciation for the difference Bilkes makes in their lives, I pledged to her that I would donate 10% of all Egyptian Botanicals’ sales to her organization.
Habiba Shelter, Cairo – A Sanctuary for 500+ Rescued Animals
Habiba Shelter is a nonprofit organization based in Cairo, Egypt. It is home to:
🐶 250+ Dogs
🐱 250+ Cats
These animals were rescued from abuse, neglect, illness, and abandonment.
The mission is simple yet powerful:
Rescue. Heal. Protect. Rehome.
Bilkes and her team of devoted workers provide:
Emergency rescues from the streets
Full veterinary care
Neutering and spaying
Vaccinations and medical treatment
Long-term rehabilitation
International adoptions to the UK, Germany, USA & beyond
Regardless of recovery time or cost, no animal is considered “not worth saving.”
The Story Behind the Name: Habiba
The shelter was inspired by a Baladi street dog named Habiba, who had cancer when Bilkes found her. Doctors said she wasn’t worth saving.
Bilkes refused to give up.
Habiba received surgery, survived, and was later adopted in the USA where she lived a happy life. That one act of compassion sparked a movement that would save hundreds more.
What began as a small cat shelter expanded when Bilkes witnessed the suffering of all animals around her. She couldn’t look away.
A Journey of Sacrifice and Strength
Bilkes has been rescuing animals for over 12 years.
Her mission came with heavy personal cost:
Family opposition
An engagement that ended when asked to choose between love or animals
Being driven from her home
Facing aggression and misunderstanding
She chose the animals.
Her work may exhaust her body, but it fills her heart with purpose.
Winston, Narges & Sonbol – Stories of Hope
When Winston was rescued, he was barely a year old. He had severe knee issues and breathing difficulties. Many would have given up.
Bilkes didn’t.
For seven years, she fought for his health and dignity.
In another powerful moment, two rescued dogs — Narges and Sonbol — sat quietly beside a visitor. Narges placed his paw gently in her hand. In his eyes were pain, resilience, and gratitude.
These moments prove something profound-kindness transforms lives — theirs and ours.
From Habiba and Friends to Belqis Animal Welfare Foundation
In October 2024, after seven years of legal battles and paperwork, the organization officially became a registered Egyptian charity under its new name:
Belqis Animal Welfare Foundation
This achievement means:
Legal recognition by the Egyptian government
Greater transparency for donations
Easier collaboration with international animal welfare organizations
Increased protection for the shelter’s mission
It was a historic milestone — and one Bilkes deeply earned.
- Read about recent archaeological discoveries—such as the famous perfume factory at Thmuis—reveal that ancient Egypt operated one of the world’s earliest and most advanced fragrance industries. These factories produced iconic formulas like the Mendesian, blending myrrh, cinnamon, and cardamom into warm, resinous oils.→ Egyptian Musk and the Ancient Art of Perfumery
Why Belqis Animal Welfare Foundation Needs Your Help
Belqis Animal Welfare Foundation's survival depends entirely on donations.
Without funding, they cannot:
Feed 500+ animals
Cover veterinary bills
Pay for sterilization and immunizations
Rescue animals from the streets
Arrange international transport for adoption
Every day is a financial challenge.
Every penny makes a difference.
How to Donate
You can support Belqis Animal Welfare Foundation (charitable organization registration number # 7449) through:
PayPal: habiba4help@gmail.com
Your donation helps rescue, vaccinate, feed, rehabilitate, and rehome innocent animals.
Egyptian Botanicals & Compassionate Living
At Egyptian Botanicals, our commitment to cruelty-free, plant-based wellness aligns deeply with Bilkes’ mission.
We believe:
Animals are not disposable.
Sustainability includes compassion.
When you shop consciously, you help build a world where:
🌿 Nature is respected
🐾 Animals are protected
🌍 Compassion replaces cruelty
A Call to Action: Let’s Support Bilkes
Bilkes Ibrahim is more than a rescuer.
She is a movement.
She is resilience.
She is proof that one woman can change hundreds of lives.
Let’s ensure human beings like her receive the recognition, funding, and respect they deserve.
If you cannot donate, please:
Share her story
Visit Habiba Shelter’s Instagram & Facebook
Together, we can create a more compassionate world.
Support Belqis Animal Welfare Foundation Today
Because animals have souls.
Because kindness matters.
Because Bilkes never gave up.
And neither should we.
