Detroit Zoo announces passing of beloved Bactrian camel, Rusty
The camel, named Rusty, became a member of the zoo family after arriving from Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2009.
During his 16 years at the Detroit Zoo, Rusty formed a deep bond with his mate, Suren, and together they raised four offspring, the zoo reported.
"Though he was a bit shorter in stature than most camels, his thick, dark coat and strong, stocky build made him an unforgettable presence. His full winter coat was truly a sight to behold!" the zoo's post reads.
The zoo did not share Rusty's age or prompted his euthanasia, but the zoo shared appreciation for the veterinary and care teams that supported the animal "through his later years."
In 2023, the Detroit Zoo announced the passing of Humphrey, a 9-year-old camel that was an offspring of Rusty and Suren. Humphrey reportedly developed stiffness and mobility issues and was diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis in multiple limbs. After the disease progressed and veterinary staff no longer had a way to provide relief, he was euthanized.
Bactrian camels, the heaviest members of the camel family, have two humps, unlike the single hump of its Arabian relatives, according to National Geographic. The humps are used to store fat, which can be converted into water and energy, the publication reports.
Like Arabian camels, Bactrians rarely sweat, helping them conserve fluids for long periods of time. When camels do drink, though, they can devour an incredible amount of water, reaching up to 30 gallons in only 13 minutes, according to National Geographic.
Habitat: Asian Forest
Type: Mammals
Diet: Herbivore
Size: 7 feet tall at the humps
Weight: Over 2,000 pounds
Median life expectancy: 17 years
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Zoo announces death of beloved Bactrian camel, Rusty
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