Long before there were SUV’s and four-wheel drive vehicles there was only one way to cross the desert; on the back of a camel! Starting Sunday, October 21st, The Living Desert will be offering camel rides daily.
Two new camels are expected to arrive at The Living Desert marking the return of camel rides. Cleopatra and her son Augustus are moving into their new digs at The Living Desert. These camels are in addition to the two camels currently on exhibit named Gulliver and Clyde (Gulliver is also Cleopatra’s son).
“We are very excited to announce that camel rides are back at The Living Desert,” said Nyla Patzner, Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “Riding a camel is a unique experience that not a lot of people can say they’ve done, so we’re happy that we can offer this to our guests.”
Like snowbirds, these dromedary camels love desert climates. They are most often found in the Middle East, through northern India and arid regions of Africa. Dromedary camels are known for their long curved neck and single hump. They are typically brown or sandy brown and weigh between 1,000-1,400 pounds. The camels have long eyelashes and fur-lined ears. Their splayed feet are callused for walking on hot sand.
Cleopatra is 14-years-old, and was one of four baby camels that were born at the Oasis Camel Dairy in East San Diego County. Her son Augustus is seven.
“Augustus is the sweetest camel,” said Liz Hile, Curator of Animals. “He is very intelligent and loves interacting with people.”
Rides are offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Camel rides are $6 per person per ride, and only available until April 30. For more information about the camel rides, click here or call 760-346-5694.
