THE CAMEL BOY
Zainab Khan meets Mohamed Al Tamimi, an Emarati boy who has a passion for tradition and five very pampered pet camels.
Photography Nabeela Huda
Driving down to Dubai, on an overcast Sunday morning, I was excited yet nervous about what was to come. I had never visited a camel farm before and did not know what to expect. Little did I know that after getting there, I would realise that there is so much to learn about these majestic creatures and one interview is certainly not going to be enough.
Our team met with the young and energetic Mohamed Al Tamimi, who received us with utmost hospitality and drove us to his farm, on the outskirts of Umm Al Quwain. We drove through various Bedouin communities and got to experience UAE in its true essence, which is quite a contrast to modern city life. When we got there, we were awestruck by all the beautiful camels and the energy they gave off. We excitedly took a walk around the farm, asking questions and posing for pictures with the camels. Meanwhile, I got the chance to speak to Mohamed about his favourite five back at his farmhouse.
Tell us a bit about your camels and how long has it been since you have had them.
I have had them for about three and a half years now. One of them is a male camel and I have named him El Basel. He is three years old. The rest of the four are females. Their names are Thibyaan, Salhut, Sihanaa and Soughaa; aged nine years, five years, five years, and one year respectively.
Give us a general idea about the temperament of a camel. Do they need to be tamed or are they as harmless as they look?
The male camels are aggressive and wild by nature. This is the reason they are kept away from female camels. Each male has a separate caretaker and his own spot, which is surrounded by cage walls for his own protection and for the protection of those around him. Female camels are generally calm beings. They do not need to be restricted or kept away from each other. They can live in peace with the rest of the females.
Have you trained your camels like people train other pets?
As a matter of fact, I have. The basic training of how and when to sit and stand was obviously given. They were also trained to know that I have come to feed them and mean well. I have also trained them to eat ice cream from an ice cream cone! [laughs]
What does their daily diet consist of?
I feed them fresh grass and dates in the morning. The next meal during the evening consists of mixed grains and dates again. Other than that there is a constant supply of fresh water and dry grass for whenever they feel hungry or thirsty.
Do they need any form of exercise?
No, they do not. They sometimes take a walk if they feel like. Otherwise they mostly just sit around.
Like other pets, do camels need to be vaccinated?
They most certainly do. I have made sure my camels are up to date with their vaccines. I take care of them just like one would take care of a normal house pet. They have a proper passport with details of all their vaccinations.
What are the things you need to keep a check on to ensure that the camels remain healthy?
First and foremost, we need to make sure they
have a constant supply of fresh and clean water. I have installed a special water maker for my camels. This extracts water directly from underground and converts it into clean water. Other than that, the food provided to them is of the best quality, free from any insects or impurities. I also make sure I don’t bathe the camels during winter as they could easily catch a cold due to wet fur.
What kind of grooming do camels need and how often do you get them groomed?
I make sure I keep them as clean as possible. They are showered and cleaned after every ten days during the summer. I do not shower them during winter, as there are chances of them falling ill. They do not get dirty during the winters anyway so bathing them is not necessary when it’s cold. Their fur remains soft for a long time and is very clean. They are constantly checked for fleas and other pests to make sure they remain clean and in good health.
How does a change in weather affect the camels?
Camels grow fur during winter. This keeps them warm in the cold weather. During the summer, their fur naturally sheds off to adapt to the hot weather. Other than that there is not much of a change.
What are the health issues that a camel may face and what precautions do you take to avoid these issues?
Camels sometimes catch the flu during winter if they are not properly taken care of. We also need to be careful if we have the flu because they can easily catch it from us too. It is mostly viral and they catch it very quickly. Other than that, we tie the feet of pregnant camels to make sure they do not run or walk too much, as that would risk their health and the health of their baby. Their feet are tied loosely enough for them to walk if needed though.
How often does the vet visit them for routine check-ups?
If the camels are in good health, the vet visits them once in two or three weeks. However, the vets are available at any time in case of an emergency.
Like other pets, do camels recognize and get attached to their owners and caretakers?
Yes, of course. My camels recognize their caretakers and me. Due to the aggressive nature of male camels, it is especially important for them to know who their caretaker is. They need to establish their comfort level with the person handling them. Here at the farm, there is a separate caretaker for each male camel. The females do not give much trouble in that aspect. However, they too recognize their owners and get attached to them.
Are the camels comfortable around visitors and new faces?
The females usually remain calm, as you have probably noticed. The male camels sometimes get a little hyper around new people. Camels are very smart and observant beings, much like dogs. Trust me when I say that. They have been noticing you from the moment you entered through that gate. Their sight extends much farther than ours and is very sensitive to change.
Who looks after your camels while you are away? Do they need to be constantly supervised?
I have caretakers who are specially trained
to look after the camels. They are in charge while I am away. The camels do not need to be watched and supervised constantly. In special cases, for instance, if a female camel is in labour, one of the caretakers is with the camel 24/7, until she gives birth. I make sure everything the caretaker needs is provided for him while he is with the camel. Other than that, just a routine check to make sure everything is in order is all that is needed.
The most special thing about having a camel as a pet is…
There is nothing more special than the fact that they make me feel so close to my culture and tradition. Camels represent the rich history of my country and my nation in a way, and there is a lot to learn from these creatures. Looking after them makes me feel more connected to my roots.
Born and brought up in the UAE, the youthful and enthusiastic Mohamed Al Tamimi is a proud Emirati through and through. He is currently a business student, following the footsteps of his family, who are the owners of the popular furniture store, Decoart.