Calgary camel receiving 'exceptional care' despite severe skin condition, zoo says
![Bactrian camel at the Calgary Zoo A Bactrian camel stretches its head over a fence at the Calgary Zoo in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/3/29/bactrian-camel-at-the-calgary-zoo-1-6334602-1680122879259.jpg)
Some visitors to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo may be concerned about the condition of one of the facility's camels, but officials say the animal is being well taken care of.
Zoo officials say their male Bactrian camel named Ollie developed a skin condition several years ago and it's progressed to the point where some guests may believe it's an injury.
However, staff says that isn't the case.
"Our animal care, health and welfare team has been closely monitoring Ollie, supporting him with topical, oral and injectable medical treatments," Alison Archambault, the zoo's director of brand and engagement, told CTV News Wednesday.
Keepers are also taking measures to prevent magpies from impeding the healing process. That includes utilizing a number of different pest management measures.
"We have a robust pest management policy that supports us with a wide variety of tools," Archambault said.
Of course, it might seem like it would be easier for Ollie to be kept off display until his condition clears up, but staff says it's unclear how long that would be.
"We don't know how long the skin disease will persist," Archambault said.
"His human caregivers felt it was best for Ollie's well-being if he was kept on habitat during recovery near his habitat mate, Zsa-Zsa, and the human caregivers that love him."
She says all visitors who come to see Ollie should know that he is in good hands.
"We always appreciate visitor concern for the well-being of the animals we love and care for. Our community should rest-assured that Ollie is receiving exceptional care."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977430.1721929538!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE NOW Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
WATCH LIVE Alberta premier fights back tears, promises help as Jasper devastated by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fought back tears Thursday as she sought to console Jasper residents coming to terms with a community devastated by wildfire.
NASA says no return date yet for astronauts and Boeing capsule at space station
Already more than a month late getting back, two NASA astronauts will remain at the International Space Station until engineers finish working on problems plaguing their Boeing capsule, officials said Thursday.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don’t know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure.
French sprinter will wear a cap during Olympic opening ceremony after hijab dispute is resolved
French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla will be allowed to participate in the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics wearing a cap to cover her hair, an agreement reached with the French Olympic Committee after Sylla said she was barred because of her hijab.
Spicy dispute over the origins of Flamin' Hot Cheetos winds up in court
A former PepsiCo executive is suing the company, saying it destroyed his career after questioning his claim that he invented the popular flavor of Cheetos snacks.