Knowsley Safari has welcomed the arrival of two adorable Bactrian camel calves.
Proud Bactrian camel mum Patricia has welcomed George, joining fellow mum Willow and her new calf, Gilbert, in what’s fast-becoming the ‘camel crèche’ on Knowsley’s 5-mile Safari Drive.
Bactrian camels are best-known for their two humps, which store fat and not water. Each of the calves’ double-humps will eventually provide the camels with fat storage that can be converted into energy.
George and Gilbert have been enjoying exploring their surroundings together, while sticking close to their mums. Visitors to Knowsley Safari may see camel mums Patricia and Willow ‘vocalising’ with their calves to keep in contact, as part of their bonding.
Lindsay Banks, ungulates team manager at Knowsley Safari, said: “We haven’t had a camel calf at Knowsley Safari for over nine years, so to have two born so close together has been extra special. It’s been so enjoyable to see the two healthy camel calves out enjoying the Safari, interacting with other members of the herd, as well as spending time together.”
Knowsley Safari supports the conservation of critically endangered wild camels (a different species to the Bactrian camel). It’s estimated that there are around 1,000 wild camels left, spread between China and Mongolia, and Knowsley Safari supports The Wild Camel Protection Foundation to help conserve this amazing species.
