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There are two species of camels. The Dromedary Camels have one hump (like a capital D) and the Bactrian Camels have two humps (like the capital B).

A family of Bactrian Camels calls Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch their home away from their native desert land of Asia. The Bactrian camels are critically endangered, but they are able to adapt very well to their surroundings.

Camels can survive in extreme weather conditions, ranging from -20º F to over 100ºF and can go long periods without drinking water. The hair on camels sheds during hot seasons and is re-grown during colder seasons to help protect them from the climate changes.

Their humps store nutrients they need to survive during periods with little food and water. As the reserves are used the hump can shrink and lay over to the side, but will stand up when food and water are plentiful.



             


They also have broad hooves to move swiftly over dessert sand and mountains of their native homeland. Camels have unique eye lids and the ability to close their nostrils to protect them in sand storms.

Bactrian Camels are the larger of the two species and weigh up to 2,000 lbs. They can carry heavy loads on their back for long distances.

We recently welcomed a new baby Bactrian Camel! Keep your eyes out to see him in the Safari Drive-Thru.
   
 

How many humps does a Bactrian Camel have?
A.  3
B.  1
C.  2
D.  None



Where is the Bactrian Camel’s native homeland?
A.  Asia
B.  North America
C.  Africa
D.  South America



What two things do camels have to protect themselves from the desert sand storms?
A.  Eye lids and nostrils
B.  Hair and eye lids
C.  Horns and hooves
D.  Tongue and horns

 

Answers to questions above: C, A, and A

Riddles

What does a camel use to become invisible?
Camel-flauge

What do you get if you cross a camel with a cow?
Lumpy milk

What does a camel use to become invisible?
Camel-flage!

What do you call a crying camel?
A humpback wail

What has two humps and is found at the North Pole?
A lost camel!

Fun Facts
  • An adult camel weighs between 700 and 1,500 pounds (318 to 680 kg) and is up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall.
  • Camels can live to be up to 50 years old.
  • Camels gestate about 11 months and give birth to one calf.
  • A male reaches maturity in five years, a female in three to four years.
  • Camels actually have three eyelids! Two of them have lashes, and the third is thin.
  • A camel can close its nostrils.
  • A camel, like a goat, will eat almost anything.
  • Pack camels can carry loads of 400 pounds 25 miles (181 kg 40 km) in a day

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