13 May 2024
Back together at last!
🐪 Reunited, and it feels so good...
Prepare the tissues - a heartwarming family reunion has taken place right here at Hobbledown! Our beloved camel, Kado, has been reunited with his mother and brother, who he hasn't seen since he was a calf.
See in pictures the moment that Kado - who arrived at Hobbledown as a one-year-old calf in 2017 - was reunited with his mother, Lucy, and younger brother, Sopwith.
Head Zookeeper Lucy White said: "Seeing Kado with his mother and brother again is truly heartwarming - it's a beautiful moment for everyone here at Hobbledown.”
Ghengis the camel
Sopwith and Lucy
Background and challenges
In 2017, Kado arrived at Hobbledown along with his father, Ghengis, from Banham Zoo. At the time, Kado was only 1 year old, and Ghengis was 6. The pair of two-humped Bactrian Camels became a favourite among guests, offering many the unique opportunity to see camels up close.
Sadly, the end of 2022 brought sorrow to Hobbledown with the passing of Ghengis. In the wake of his loss, our dedicated zoo team worked tirelessly to ensure Kado received the best care and companionship during his period of mourning.
Kado faced health challenges of his own, suffering from inflamed wounds on his knees. Our team explored every non-surgical option to treat his condition, from laser treatment to Manuka honey applications. Ultimately, surgery was deemed necessary but thanks to our skilled veterinary team and the incredible effort of our zookeepers, Kado underwent a successful surgical procedure under sedation, followed by a full recovery.
Journey to reunion
As Kado’s health stabilised, our management team began efforts to find suitable companions for him. Fortune smiled upon us when we learned that two camels from Banham Zoo were looking for a new home – none other than Kado’s own mother and brother!
The reunion took place last week and seems to have brought a lot of joy and comfort to Kado - as well as all of us here at Hobbledown, of course, who are delighted to see the family of camels back together at last.
This family reunion is not just a testament to the resilience and spirit of these wonderful animals but also underscores our commitment at Hobbledown to animal welfare and emotional well-being.
