It’s a happy humpday as park welcomes two camels
IT MAY be a gentle introduction to life at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park for the attraction’s latest arrivals.
But rangers looking after two Bactrian camel calves have admitted the newcomers will be shocked when they eventually see visitors flocking to meet them.
Marvin and Merlin were born at the park in Doncaster in April and have just been introduced to the main camel herd in their reserve.
They are the first camel calves to be born during the coronavirus lockdown.
A spokesman said: “The park has had previous success with breeding camels but these are the first calves to be born at the park who have never seen a visitor, so it will be a surprise for them when the park re-opens.”
Marvin was born on April 10 and Merlin followed on April 23.
Hoofstock team leader Ayshea
Seston said: “Both of the new calves are males and seem to be having the best time ever, enjoying the sun, bonding with their mothers, and getting to know the rest of the herd.
“Bactrian camels are very family-oriented animals with strong bonds within the herd.
“It is clear that they are all delighted with the new additions and so are we.”
The park said that the gestation period for the species is 13 months and the calves form long-standing relationships with their mothers.
Ms Seston added: “The weather during April has been amazing and at this time of year the park would normally be booming with visitors.
“The children love to see the baby animals, but it’s all strangely quiet this year due to the temporary closure of the park.”
First calves to be born at park who have never seen a visitor.
A spokesman for Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Doncaster.