Camels abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?
What are camels?
- Camels are large ungulates that are easily distinguished from other mammals by the hump or humps on their backs.
- Camels are the largest mammals capable of surviving in deserts and arid steppes.
- The (Bactrian) camel and the wild camel have two humps and are historically native to Central Asia.
- The dromedary is a camel with only one hump; it was historically found in North Africa and the Middle East.
- For thousands of years, humans have kept camels as livestock, beasts of burden, and a means of transport.
Where can you encounter wild camels abroad?
- The wild camel is critically endangered and now exists only in small, isolated areas of northwestern China and southwestern Mongolia.
- The domestic camels (Bactrian camels) and dromedaries no longer exist in the wild; however, there are often large populations of feral animals that closely resemble wild ones. These are descendants of animals that were once kept by humans but subsequently escaped or were abandoned (for instance, because cars offer better air conditioning than camels do).
- Countries with a nomadic tradition—such as those surrounding the Sahara or the Sinai Desert (Egypt)—often have significant populations of dromedaries. You can frequently encounter these feral animals while riding a dromedary yourself.
- A massive population of dromedaries—estimated at one million—inhabits the Australian interior. These animals were originally imported, but the project eventually spiraled out of control. Today, they pose a threat to native Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos, while simultaneously offering economic opportunities—ranging from bushmeat and tourist rides to sales to wealthy buyers in the Arab world.
Are camels dangerous?
- Camels are large, heavy, and strong. While they are generally not aggressive, they may display aggression toward humans—for instance, when protecting their young or during the mating season. This is a particular concern for tourists who seek out feral dromedaries near Ayers Rock or Alice Springs.
- Camels in captivity can also have “bad days.”
- If a camel accidentally steps on your foot, or if you fall off one, you might end up needing a trip to the hospital.
Where can you work, volunteer, or complete an internship with camels abroad?
- Camel farms exist all over the world; some focus on milk or meat production, while others cater to visitors looking for a camel ride—for example, in Germany, Morocco, and Australia.
- Animal rescue centers, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, sometimes house dromedaries. At these locations, you might assist with feeding, grooming, cleaning, and basic animal care, or occasionally help with guided walks or rides.
- You may also encounter dromedaries through projects focused on nature conservation or ecosystem research in the Middle East and North Africa.
