Scientists in Egypt have identified a new type of four-legged whale that lived some 43 million years ago.
Fossils of the amphibious Phiomicetus anubis were first discovered in the western Egyptian desert.
Its head resembles that of Anubis, the ancient god of the dead with the fox's head after which he was named.
The ancestors of modern whales grew from mammals that lived on earth for ten million years.
Weighing in at 600kg and 10 meters (10ft), the Phiomicetus anubis had strong prey for its prey, according to a study published by Proceedings of the Royal Society B on Wednesday. The whale was able to walk on the ground and swim in the water.
Marine fossils retain the blubber of the 'sea monster'
Some fossils are found in Egyptian Fayum Depression and are analyzed by scientists at Mansoura University. Although the area is now barren, it was once covered by the sea and is a rich source of fossils.
"Phiomicetus anubis is a new species of whale, a critical find of Egyptian and African palaeontology," lead author Abdullah Gohar told Reuters.
Although this is not the first time fossils have been found with legs, Phiomicetus anubis is believed to be the first whale to find water in Africa.
The first whales are thought to have originated in South Asia about 50 million years ago. In 2011, a team of Peruvian florists discovered a 43 million-year-old whale with four legs, stringed feet, and hooves.