Bactrian camel
Habitat
Everywhere in the world in zoos and private holdings. The wild camel is a different species.
Age
Up to 30 years
Weight
Males: 400-650 kg Females: Approximately 10% smaller
Height
1.6 – 1.8 meters at the shoulder
Gestation
12-14 months
Number of offspring
1-2 calves every 2 years
Status
The Bactrian camel in zoos and private holdings is not threatened, but the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) is critically endangered.
Did you know…
- There are only about 650 wild camels in nature. The species is called Camelus ferus and lives in the Gobi Desert in Asia. All camels in zoos and private holdings around the world are Bactrian camels.
- Camels are social animals that consist of a male and his harem of females, along with their offspring. Calves stay close to their mothers until they are 3-4 years old.
- It is a myth that camels store water in their humps and can therefore go without water for a long time. The hump consists of fat, which can be used as an energy source during periods of scarce food.
- However, camels can go for a long time without drinking water because they have several ways of conserving water in their bodies.
- Camels do not sweat. When it gets really hot and the temperature rises, the camel regulates its body temperature accordingly. It also positions itself facing the sun, reducing the amount of sunlight hitting its body and thus preventing overheating. As the camel’s body temperature becomes elevated and less prone to overheating, it does not sweat, thereby conserving water.
- To protect their eyes from sandy desert winds, camels have long, thick eyelashes. If any sand does enter, they have an extra eyelid that acts as a windshield wiper.
- Currently, the camel herd at Knuthenborg consists of one male and lots of females. Several of them were born in the park.
Meet our herd of Bactrian camels at Skovridersletten.
