Animal Diaries Archive

Camel Enrichment

1 April 2005

As far as enrichment goes, our camels are the easiest of the exotic/feral species at the Zoo to provide for. Both camels go for walks every day, the length and location of which varies from day to day. We use browse feeders and lines so that their food is not necessarily on a stable surface, making them have to think and work a little bit to be able to fully strip the bark off it. Between these two forms of enrichment, the camels are pretty much covered. Guests can also purchase camel food from the Dingo Diner to feed the girls, which also provides some staggered food treats. But as our animals are all spoilt rotten, we do occasionally provide other enrichment.

Now many of you may have seen Dajarra (more commonly known as DJ) on Steve's show playing with a ball. We get quite a few people asking us about that. DJ has actually outgrown playing with her ball now, when we put it in she just smells it and walks away. While this may seem disappointing to people who wanted to see her play with it, it is actually good news for her keepers -“ it means she is growing up and maturing, making her easier to work around. Another thing we add is a drum with molasses spread on it - YUMMY...but messy! So you just never know what you may see our animals getting up to when it comes to enrichment!