Cute Bactrian camel calf arrives

Keepers are excited to reveal that they have welcomed the arrival of a Bactrian camel calf!

The cute calf, born to first-time mum Rita and dad Khan, has remained close to his mother’s side since his birth.

Camel calves are able to stand within one hour of birth and just shortly afterward begin suckling. Keepers initially stepped in to give the new mother some help to get the youngster feeding, but Rita has since taken over the role and is doing a fantastic job.

Named Walter by his keepers, the young bull calf was born on the 1st March. Walter is the first camel calf to arrive at the Park since female Ump was born during 2020. Born to parents Saturday and Khan, Ump was the first baby to make an appearance at Woburn Safari Park after the country went into the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Camels live in herds of 5-30 individuals and are led by a dominant male. At the Park, the herd is led by male, Khan. Since giving birth, Rita had been keeping herself and the young calf a good distance away from the rest of the herd, but they have since re-joined the others. Keepers have since seen the calf prancing about the enclosure, showing he is growing in strength as well as confidence.

Bactrian camels are found in central Asia, however these populations are classified as domesticated. The much rarer wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) has been declared critically endangered by the IUCN, with only a few hundred in remote areas of China and Mongolia.

Where can you see the new calf?

The breeding group of Bactrian camels can be found in their paddock on your way to the ticket lanes, at the start of your Woburn Safari Park adventure, on the way from Ridgmont Gate.