Oakland Zoo gets two new camels

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Oakland Zoo gets two new camels

The Oakland Zoo gave media a behind the scenes look at their two new dromedary (Arabian) camels.

The Oakland Zoo gave media a behind the scenes look at their two new dromedary (Arabian) camels.

They both have relocated to the zoo from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. One male named Bahir (meaning dazzling), and one female, Zahara (meaning shining, exquisite flower), are young camels and weigh about 630 pounds each, but will grow to reach 1100-1500 pounds as they mature.

Oakland Zoo’s new camels come from the same blood-line as the Zoo’s current camel residents; therefore, no breeding will be taking place at the Zoo. All four of the zoo’s resident camels share the same father.

Zookeeper Erica Calcagno states that the animals have been acclimating very well over the past few months to their new home at Oakland Zoo and no stress behaviors have been observed.

After months of working on introductions to the Zoo’s older female residents, Layla and Sabha, the four Arabian camels are mingling together and share the same space on exhibit.

Erica also let us in on an obvious fact about camels most of us have forgotten about. “It’s very common for people to walk up and say ‘oh, look at the camel, their hump is full of water’. It’s not…it’s full of fat.”

For more information about the camels and the Oakland Zoo, visit OaklandZoo.org.

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The Oakland Zoo gave media a behind the scenes look at their two new dromedary (Arabian) camels.

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