A pet camel’s attempt at mating ended in tragedy, highlighting the dangers of exotic pet ownership.
Story Snapshot
- An Australian woman was fatally injured by a pet camel.
- The camel exhibited mating behavior, causing the accident.
- The incident occurred on a rural ranch in Queensland.
- It raises concerns about the ownership of exotic animals.
The Tragic Incident
An Australian woman met a tragic end when her pet camel, given as a 60th birthday present, knocked her to the ground and smothered her in a mating attempt. The incident took place at her family’s sheep and cattle ranch near Mitchell, Queensland. The camel, a 10-month-old male weighing around 330 pounds, had previously displayed similar behavior towards other animals on the property, suggesting a pattern of risky behavior that went unnoticed.
Background on Exotic Pets
Camels are not native to Australia but have been part of the landscape since the 19th century, initially brought for transportation. Australia now hosts the largest population of feral camels worldwide. While these animals are common in tourism and farming, they are rare as household pets. The woman’s interest in exotic pets led her family to gift her the camel, but a lack of understanding of camel behavior, particularly in young males, may have contributed to the fatal incident.
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with keeping exotic animals as pets, especially when their natural behaviors are not fully understood or managed appropriately. The camel’s previous attempts to straddle and nearly suffocate a pet goat indicated problematic behavior that was not adequately addressed.
Impact and Response
The immediate impact of this incident is the profound loss and trauma experienced by the family. It also raises broader awareness about the risks associated with exotic pet ownership. This tragic event could lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulation of exotic animals as household pets. Although the incident is considered an accident, it underscores the necessity for proper understanding and handling of exotic animals to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Chris Hill, a camel expert, emphasized that while young camels are not usually aggressive, they can become dangerous if not properly disciplined. He confirmed the camel’s behavior was sexual and cautioned against treating camels as domesticated pets. The situation calls into question the wisdom of gifting exotic animals without thorough consideration of the potential risks involved.
Sources:
CBS News: “Australian Woman Killed By Amorous Camel”
