Bactrian Camel calf could be the lucky mascot

A female Bactrian Camel calf could be the lucky mascot Warren Gatland needs to help his side secure victory in this year’s Rugby World Cup. Born on Friday 24th June at 6:15pm Delilah was up on her feet and raring to go only two hours later, much to the delight of her Keeper who had [...]

Posted in: New Arrivals
Posted on 14th Nov 2011

A female Bactrian Camel calf could be the lucky mascot Warren Gatland needs to help his side secure victory in this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Born on Friday 24th June at 6:15pm Delilah was up on her feet and raring to go only two hours later, much to the delight of her Keeper who had been eagerly awaiting her arrival.

Keepers at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – the National Zoo of Wales sought inspiration from the Tom Jones song – the unofficial anthem of Welsh Rugby fans, to finally decide on her name.

The playful youngster has already started to venture outside along with the help of Mum and is set to score a try with Zoo visitors as she explores her enclosure.

Mum and Dad Flanka and Lock named in the aftermath of the Rugby World Cup 2003 – both aged 12 – arrived at the Zoo in 2000 from Whipsnade Zoo and have settled into their role well as the experienced parents have now successfully raised 3 calves.

Weighing a whopping 25 kilos and measuring just under one and a half metres (5 foot) at birth Delilah is already growing at a rapid pace. She will eventually grow to be 2.4 metres (7 feet) and will weigh over ¾ of a tonne.

Camels Keeper Claire Taylor said,
“I am delighted with the arrival of Delilah. It’s been three years since Flanka gave birth so when I found out she was pregnant I was overjoyed. Delilah is doing really well, not only is she growing extremely fast but her confidence is also coming on in leaps and bounds. She didn’t have any problems getting on her feet after she was born and was able to feed from Mum without assistance. She also loves the attention she has been receiving from the visitors and even appears to smile when they take her picture! I am really proud of her progress so far and can’t wait to watch her develop further.”