May 6, 2008

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, the park's young male Dromedary camel, Dakar, was approached by a member of the public and slapped on his rear end. The suspect, who was seen by a witness, had apparently scaled the double barrier consisting of a perimeter fence and then steel exhibit fencing to access the animal's enclosure, after which he reached through the fence to strike the animal. The park's animal and veterinary staff was quick to respond to the situation and determined that the animal was not injured, though described as mildly upset by the disruption of his personal space.

The park has educational guides that are stationed at most animal areas during operating hours and a team of security guards that patrol the park. After this incident, park officials will most likely add more staffing around the camel exhibit to prevent the incidence of copycats.

Dakar, the exhibit's smallest camel who weighs in at 660 lbs., shares the enclosure with two adult Bactrian camels, a 17-year-old, 2,200 lb. male named Jake and a 12-year-old 1,600 lb. female, named Tian. According to animal staff, though these are domesticated animals, there is still a potential risk of injury should an unfamiliar individual approach or intrude in their territory.