There are two species of camels, the dromedary has a single hump, and the bactrian has two humps. Dromedaries, the species of camel we have here at Australia Zoo, are a domestic animal used in dry desert areas. While the dromedary camel's ancestors were native to west Asia, today the only wild camels are feral, having escaped or been released back into the wild, right here in Australia.
Camels typically graze on shrubs, leaves and grasses. They will tackle thorny bushes, saltbushes and other plants which most animals can't eat.
The breeding season for camels depends on the availability of food and the climate so the season will vary depending on where in the world the camel lives.
A female camel, called a cow, is pregnant for just over one year. In the wild, camels will usually only have one baby every two years.
How big can I get?
The average life expectancy of a camel is 40 to 50 years of age. A full grown camel can get to about 1.85 metres tall at the shoulder and 2.15 metres if you measure to the hump. The hump normally rises about 76cm out of the body.
Camels are super cool. They are observant and have really good memories so they can be taught easily.
The camel’s hump actually stores fat, not water as commonly believed. The fat in their hump is a source of energy, but also minimises heat trapping in the rest of their body, which helps them to keep cool.
Camels can also withstand long periods without water. Their red blood cells are oval shaped, unlike other mammals which have circular red bloods cells. This helps with blood flow when they are dehydrated. These cells are also built to withstand camels drinking huge amounts in one sitting. A camel can drink up to 150 litres in one drink.
Seen those big wide feet? Well a camel’s widened feet and the way they walk, called their gait, helps them not to sink into sand.