Bactrian Camels
The extremes of the desert are no problem with humps like these. We are home to female ‘Zsa Zsa’.
Perfectly adapted for every condition
Bactrian camels are identified by their two humps. These humps store fat, which can be converted into water and energy, giving camels the remarkable ability to endure long periods without water. When they do drink, they drink a lot – a thirsty camel can drink 100 litres of water in just 10 minutes.
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild)
- Type: Mammal
- Habitat: Gobi Desert of northwest China and Mongolia
- Diet: Herbivore – plants, grains, and grasses
- Size: Over 2.1 metres tall at the hump
- Weight: Up to 816 kilograms
Facts about our animals
Fun Facts about Bactrian Camels
They have a third eyelid to wipe sand and dirt from their eyes.
They rarely sweat, helping to conserve water.
Camels move both legs on one side of their body at the same time.
A Bactrian camel has two rows of eyelashes to protect its eyes from sand and snow.
Bactrian camels have a thick woolly coat which keeps them warm in winter and is shed in the summer.
Bactrian camels can survive temperatures ranging from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius.
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