Bring On The Camels, It’s Happy Hump Day

Yes, it’s that day when we fly over the midweek hump and hurtle towards the weekend, and to celebrate this week, let’s talk about all things camel!!

There are three species of camel - the single-humped dromedary, the double-humped Bactrian camel, and a separate wild Bactrian camel, which is now an endangered species.

Known as the ships of the desert, camels are supremely adapted to their environment. They can withstand changes in body temperatures and water consumption that would kill other mammals.

Some facts about camels:

• Their humps store fat, not water, although water is produced when they need to metabolise those fat stores. They can go up to 10 days between needing to drink water, even in very hot conditions, and can drink 200 litres of water in three minutes when water becomes available. In milder conditions, they can get enough moisture from green feed and don’t need to drink.

• Their thick coats and long legs help insulate them from the heat radiating from the hot sand. Their wide feet and unusual way of walking help stop them from sinking into loose sand. They have long eyelashes and hair in their ears to help keep out sand grains, and they can close their nostrils, if needed, for the same reason.

• Their nostrils, kidneys and intestines all reabsorb as much water as possible back into their bodies, minimising water loss.

But most of us know the camels who arrive midweek - often with some witty remarks - to help see us over the hump and on the way to the weekend.

And yes, today is that day!!
So let’s share all things camel, Wednesday, or just a few things to bring a smile, as well as our usual fun and friendly chat.

Music, videos, memes, gifs, pictures, all are welcome!!

Happy Hump Day, everyone!!