Bactrian Camel born at Milwaukee County Zoo

MILWAUKEE -- Zookeepers at the Milwaukee County Zoo say a healthy, 77-pound female Bactrian camel was born back on May 4th. Since her birth, the baby camel has grown to 140 pounds.

Zookeepers say the new camel is "quite precocious with a feisty personality."

Although she is still nursing from mom, Sanchi, the baby is sampling adult food consisting of mixed grass hay and pellets.

Bactrian camels are native to Asia -- specifically China and Mongolia. Interesting camel characteristics include long eyelashes and slit-like nostrils – both serve to protect from blowing sand.  Bactrian camels have two humps, as opposed to Dromedary camels, that have one hump. Contrary to popular belief, the humps do not hold water, but rather, store fat.

A silent auction, at the annual Zoological Society’s Zoo Ball on June 23rd, will give the winning bidder an opportunity to choose a name for the baby camel.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

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