Download CAMEL RIDES RETURN TO THE LIVING DESERT Zoo Announces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Nyla Patzner
Marketing and Public Relations Manager
760-346-5694 x. 2610
[email protected]
CAMEL RIDES RETURN TO THE LIVING DESERT
Zoo Announces Rides on ‘Ships of the Desert’ To Begin Oct. 21st
PALM DESERT/INDIAN WELLS, CA (October 17, 2012) … Long before there were SUV’s and
four-wheel drive vehicles there was only one way to cross the desert; on the back of a camel!
With gas prices high what better time to bring them back? Starting October 21st, The Living
Desert will be offering camel rides daily.
Two new camels are expected to arrive at The Living Desert marking the return of camel rides.
Cleopatra and her son Augustus are moving into their new digs at The Living Desert. These
camels are in addition to the two camels currently on exhibit named Gulliver and Clyde (Gulliver
is also Cleopatra’s son).
“We are very excited to announce that camel rides are back at The Living Desert,” said Nyla
Patzner, Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “Riding a camel is a unique experience that
not a lot of people can say they’ve done, so we’re happy that we can offer this to our guests.”
Like Valley snowbirds, these dromedary camels love desert climates. They are most often found
in the Middle East, through northern India and arid regions of Africa. Dromedary camels are
known for their long curved neck and single hump. They are typically brown or sandy brown
and weigh between 1,000-1,400 pounds. The camels have long eyelashes and fur-lined ears.
Their splayed feet are callused for walking on hot sand.
Cleopatra is 14-years-old, and was one of four baby camels that were born at the Oasis Camel
Dairy in East San Diego County. Her son Augustus is seven.
“Augustus is the sweetest camel,” said Liz Hile, Curator of Animals. “He is very intelligent and
loves interacting with people.”
Rides are offered from 9:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30 pm-4:00 pm. Camel rides are $6 per person
per ride, and only available until April 30. For more information about the camel rides go to
www.LivingDesert.org or call 760-346-5694.
About the Living Desert:
The Living Desert is an AZA-accredited zoo and gardens that is dedicated to conservation and
education. It is a family friendly place to explore nature and create meaningful experiences for
visitors that are remembered for a lifetime. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit
www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA
92260.
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