The Bedford Estates, LondonWoburn has some hump-tastic news to share…
For the first time in three years, there’s a brand-new face in the Bactrian camel reserve at Woburn Safari Park. Keepers are excited to announce the arrival of a precious male Bactrian camel calf, born to proud parents Rita and Khan, on April 22nd 2025.
Quickly on his feet and tottering about unsteadily, the newborn will generally stay very close to his attentive mum as he adjusts to his new surroundings. Visitors driving into the Park could glimpse the little one in his Northern Plains paddock, before they reach the entrance to the Road Safari drive-through.
Woburn Safari Park is now home to eight Bactrian camels, three females and five males. Parents Khan and Rita also welcomed a male calf back in 2022, named Walter. Khan, the main breeding male of the group, is also dad to two other calves, female Ump and male Wednesday.
When Rita became a first-time mum in 2022, she needed a little extra help from the keepers to support her and the newborn. This time, however, she’s taken the reins with confidence and her natural maternal instincts have been evident as she encourages the calf to feed. While the rest of the herd has shown some curiosity towards the new addition, Rita has kept a gentle distance from the others, to give her little one time to adjust and find its feet.
Bactrian camels are social animals and live in groups of five to 30 individuals, typically led by a dominant male. At Woburn Safari Park, that role belongs to Khan, a true safari favourite, best known for his wild hairdos and big personality. While male Bactrian camels like Khan don’t usually take part in rearing their young directly, they do play an essential role in leading and protecting the herd.
The camels at the Park belong to the domesticated species population, currently listed as ‘Least Concern’. However, their wild relatives, the critically endangered Bactrian camels face serious threats in their natural habitats. That’s why the team of expert keepers at Woburn are dedicated to helping preserve and care for this unique species through ongoing breeding and conservation efforts.
Head of Reserves, Tom Robson said: “We’re really delighted to welcome a male camel calf to the herd at Woburn Safari Park this month. This is Rita’s second calf, with her first born three years ago, so this a truly special moment for the keepers, the Park, and the entire herd. Rita has been an attentive mum, staying close to her little one as he begins to explore his surroundings in the large camel paddock, alongside his brother Walter, dad Khan, and the rest of the herd.”