Milwaukee County Zoo Welcomes Baby Boy Camel

MILWAUKEE, WI—The Milwaukee County Zoo announced on Thursday the birth of a male Bactrian camel. The calf was born the morning of April 13 to parents Addie-Jean (better known as A.J.) and Stan, according to a news release.

"The calf is doing well and animal care staff say he appears to be very strong. He was up and moving shortly after his birth, which took place in the outdoor camel habitat, at about 10 a.m. He was observed nursing from mom throughout the day," the release said.

Mother, A.J., is 9 years old and father, Stan, is 8 years old. This is A.J. and Stan’s third offspring. They have two other sons: Jethro, who was born in 2019; and George, born in 2017. Both Jethro and George have since transferred to other zoological organizations.

The new calf underwent a neo-natal exam yesterday, and he weighed 94 pounds. This marks A.J.’s largest calf in weight. He is slightly smaller than the last male born to the Zoo’s other female, Sanchi. It’s considered a good, healthy weight for a newborn camel, the release said.

If the calf, who will be named soon, continues to do well, and progress as he should, visitors can see him in the outdoor Camel Yard, with mom, A.J. and A.J.’s mother, Sanchi. In the case of inclement weather, the calf will be off exhibit in the indoor camel barn.

The Milwaukee County released a photo of the little guy: