‘Incredible:’ Toronto Zoo announces birth of new Bactrian camel calf

A new calf camel born at the Toronto Zoo on April 30 is shown alongside its mother Suria. (Toronto Zoo)

The Toronto Zoo has announced the birth of a new Bactrian camel calf.

The calf was born at around 7 a.m. on Thursday and stood for the first time about two hours later.

Toronto Zoo CEO Dolf DeJong said in a press release that the birth represents an “incredible addition” given the fact that Bactrian camels are currently classified as a critically endangered species.

“This little one’s birth right in the habitat this morning reinforces our commitment as wildlife advocates and also serves as a reminder about how each visit to your Toronto Zoo can be filled with special moments, and something new,” he said in a press release.

The arrival of the new calf brings the total number of Bactrian camels at the Toronto Zoo to seven.

Zoo officials say that there are currently fewer than 950 Bactrian camels in the wild, with most of them located in remote regions in Mongoliia and China.

The zoo says that the first month in a new calf’s life is “always critical” and the new addition “may not always be viewable to guests” at first.

“Toronto Zoo staff will continue to monitor both the calf and Suria closely. They are currently living with female camel, Jozy, in the Bactrian Camel Habitat in the Toronto Zoo’s Eurasia Wilds area,” the news release notes. “Once the calf is a bit older, Wildlife Care staff will begin introductions with other members of the group, including her nearly 3-year-old sister, Carrie, along with Tilly and Jamarcus. Dad Zip, a 10 year-old male, will remain separated in another area of the habitat.”