Yes, there are camels at the Cincinnati Zoo. The zoo has a long history of housing Bactrian camels, and in 2012, a baby camel was born at the zoo after nearly 30 years without a camel birth. Additionally, a senior keeper at the zoo has shared their positive experiences working with the camels, including a male named Humphrey and a female named Saarai.

The History of Camels at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo has been home to Bactrian camels for many years. Bactrian camels are a species of large, even-toed ungulate that are native to the Central Asian steppes. They are known for their distinctive humps, which store fat that can be used as an energy source when food is scarce.

The zoo’s first Bactrian camels were acquired in the 1970s, and over the years, they have been a popular attraction for visitors. In the past, the zoo has had both male and female camels, and they have been an important part of the zoo’s animal collection.

The Birth of a Baby Camel in 2012

In 2012, the Cincinnati Zoo experienced a significant event in its camel history – the birth of a baby Bactrian camel. This was a particularly exciting event, as the zoo had not had a camel birth in nearly 30 years.

The baby camel, named Saarai, was born to a female camel named Saarai. Saarai’s birth was a testament to the zoo’s successful breeding program and the dedication of the animal care staff.

Saarai’s birth was a significant event not only for the zoo but also for the conservation of Bactrian camels. Bactrian camels are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with only a few thousand individuals remaining in the wild. The birth of Saarai at the Cincinnati Zoo helped to contribute to the genetic diversity of the species and supported conservation efforts.

Working with the Camels: A Keeper’s Perspective

The Cincinnati Zoo’s senior keeper, who has worked with the camels for many years, has shared their positive experiences working with these unique animals.

According to the keeper, the camels at the Cincinnati Zoo are generally very calm and gentle. They are known to be curious and interactive with their keepers, often approaching the fence to greet visitors.

One of the camels the keeper has worked with is a male named Humphrey. Humphrey is described as a “gentle giant” who enjoys interacting with his keepers and participating in training sessions. The keeper has noted that Humphrey is particularly fond of having his head scratched and will often present it to the keeper for attention.

The keeper has also worked with a female camel named Saarai, who is the mother of the baby camel born in 2012. Saarai is said to be a very attentive and protective mother, and the keeper has observed her caring for her calf with great tenderness.

Overall, the keeper’s experiences working with the camels at the Cincinnati Zoo have been very positive. The camels are described as intelligent, curious, and responsive to their keepers, making them a joy to work with and a delight for visitors to observe.

Visiting the Camels at the Cincinnati Zoo

If you’re planning a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo, be sure to make time to see the Bactrian camels. The camels are typically housed in the zoo’s Africa exhibit, where visitors can observe them in their enclosure and learn more about these fascinating animals.

When visiting the camels, be sure to keep a safe distance and follow any instructions from the zoo staff. Camels can be unpredictable, and it’s important to respect their space and boundaries.

In addition to observing the camels, visitors can also learn more about the zoo’s conservation efforts and the importance of protecting Bactrian camels in the wild. The zoo’s educational signage and staff can provide valuable information about the species and the challenges they face.

Conclusion

The Cincinnati Zoo has a long and rich history of housing Bactrian camels, and the birth of a baby camel in 2012 was a significant event for the zoo and the conservation of the species. The zoo’s senior keeper has shared their positive experiences working with the camels, describing them as intelligent, curious, and responsive to their keepers.

If you’re planning a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo, be sure to make time to see the Bactrian camels and learn more about these fascinating animals. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the camels at the Cincinnati Zoo are sure to be a highlight of your visit.

Reference:
– Cincinnati Zoo Welcomes Baby Bactrian Camel
– Bactrian Camel