Camels in zoos and petting farms face specific welfare challenges from their desert adaptation and high public interaction demands. Evidence-based care improves their wellbeing.
Camel welfare in captive settings is frequently compromised by flooring that causes foot lesions, public interaction demands that exceed the animal's tolerance and inadequate social grouping. Camels are highly social and experience significant stress in isolation. Public riding programmes require careful welfare assessment: appropriate saddle fitting, weight limits, duration restrictions and daily welfare monitoring. Camels that display avoidance or aggression toward handling are communicating welfare deficits that must be addressed rather than managed through restraint.