The camel is an extremely resilient mammal that is recognized by its characteristic humps and fuzzy exterior.

They are sometimes referred to as ‘ships of the desert’, as they are capable of smoothly traversing across sands and dry environments.

Camels were domesticated over 3000 years ago.

Two Types of Camels

There are two main types of camels: Dromedary (one hump) and Bactrian (two humps).  Camels are from the same family as ‘New World’ camelids, such as llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas.

Fast Runners

Camels can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Camels engage in a specific type of gait called pacing. This means that the legs on one side of the body move at the same time, similar to horses.  

Baby camels can run within hours of birth.

They are born without humps, and it is not until they are approximately 10 months old that their first humps begin to form.

Carry Heavy Loads

Camels can carry significant weights.  Some can carry up to 600 pounds on their backs.

Camels Rarely Sweat

Despite living under scorching conditions, their coats can grow quite thick and serve as insulation from the heat. Camels rarely ever sweat. Their fur also helps them keep warm in colder regions and at night. Camels can endure an exceptionally wide range of temperatures, from minus 29°C (-20°F) to positive 50°C (122°F.)

Oval-Shaped Red Blood Cells

Unlike humans, who possess circular red blood cells, camels have red blood cells that are oval-shaped. This unique structure helps encourage blood flow when water is scarce and the camel’s blood is thicker. The long side of their blood cells will travel in the same direction that their blood flows.

Long Lifespans

Camels can live to be 50 years old.

Camels can Sleep Standing Up

While camels usually sleep in a kneeling position with legs folded under their body and head resting on the ground, camels can sleep when standing. In the wild this helps keep them safe from predators.

Social Animals

Camels are highly social animals and enjoy the company of other camels, and even other animals. Camels live in herds. Each herd will have an alpha male at the top of its hierarchical chain.

Communication

Camels communicate through a variety of sounds. They are great communicators. Along with a variety of verbal cues, including groans, moans, bleats, roars and loud bellows, camels communicate through body cues.  For example, their ears will face forwards when they are at high alert.

Chewbacca's Voice

The rumbling growl made by camels was used in the "Star Wars" movies to create Chewbacca's voice.

Camel Milk

Due to the unique physiology of camels, their milk has special qualities.

Camel milk is growing in popularity due to its nutritional properties.  According to nutritionists, it is low in sugar, contains a high level of beneficial vitamins and minerals, and probiotics and prebiotics.

Camel milk can be useful for general wellbeing and specifically for helping support gut and metabolic health.

What does camel milk taste like?  Camel milk is light milk with a clean, fresh taste. While it tastes similar to cow milk, it does have its own hints of sweetness and saltiness which adds to its pleasant flavor.

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