Between 1840 and 1907, tens of thousands of one-humped dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were imported into Australia to help with inland transport and exploration. Estimates range from about 10,000 to 20,000 animals brought into the country in that period.
The very first camel brought into Australia arrived in 1840, shipped from the Canary Islands; only one of that small group survived the voyage. This camel was named Harry.
But over the years the camel population grew to a point where they have become a nuisance. Australia is home to the world’s biggest feral camel population to the point they are considered a pest. There about one million roaming in the outback, damaging ecosystems.
To ease the burden, some countries are happy to take camels, as in this flight of camels headed on a plane to Saudi Arabia.
Quick facts about camels:
Camels are choking and dying from plastics in Dubai
Camel milk is considered superior to cow milk for many reasons. Here are 6.
