Camel Calves Arrive at Alaska Zoo

Two young Bactrian camels now live in the animal exhibit at the Alaska Zoo. A male and a female calf arrived in Anchorage about a week ago. They are currently settling into their new surroundings.

Zoo curator Sam Lavin said the arrival ended a long process. "It’s a relief. I didn’t believe it until they were actually here in the exhibit because it took so long, but it was worth it," Lavin said. The planning phase lasted one and a half years. The physical travel from a private facility in Wisconsin to Alaska took one day. The calves flew on a FedEx plane.

The animals are seven months old. They have two humps, which identifies them as Bactrian camels. Staff expect them to grow to the size of Knobby, the zoo’s previous camel. Knobby weighed more than 2,000 pounds. He passed away in the summer of 2026.

Lavin said the calves are curious but cautious. She notes that this behavior is normal for animals new to a facility. Keepers can distinguish the two by their fur color. The female has more red coloring in her coat. The calves do not have official names yet.

The zoo sold the naming rights for the female calf in an auction last summer. The winner has not chosen a name. Lavin said staff are observing her personality to find a fitting name. An online auction for the male calf's name is currently open for bids.

Keepers clean the exhibit and feed the calves every day. The animals receive enrichment activities twice daily. These include toys, frozen treats, and salt blocks. Training focuses on socialization. "Getting to know people and trust us and build that trust bank with them," Lavin said. The calves are starting to take treats directly from their keepers' hands.

Lavin advised visitors to see the calves when the zoo opens in the morning. "Come in the morning; that’s when they’re going to be the most active," Lavin said. She described the Alaska Zoo as the permanent home for the pair.