When you think of camels, your mind probably conjures up images of them trekking across hot, sandy deserts. But at The Wilds, our domestic Bactrian camels, Lolly and Brutus, are more than ready to face Ohio’s chilly winters. These two unique animals are perfectly equipped to handle the cold—and they do it with a lot of personality to boot.

Thick Coats, Warm Hearts

Unlike their single-humped dromedary cousins from the Middle East and North Africa, Bactrian camels like Lolly and Brutus are native to the cold, arid regions of Central Asia. Their thick winter coats make them well-suited to braving the brisk temperatures of winter at The Wilds. You might be bundled up in layers, but Lolly and Brutus are more than comfortable with their built-in insulation.

“They actually prefer spending most of their time outside,” one of our Animal Management team members shares. “They do have access to a barn and natural cover, but thanks to that shaggy coat, they don’t require additional heat.” While snow may blanket the pastures, these camels remain unfazed, grazing and walking around in their large, shared space as if winter were just another day.

Winter Diet Delights

Speaking of grazing, food is a key part of Lolly and Brutus’ winter routine. During the warmer months, they thrive on a diet of pasture grasses and browse. In winter, when natural grazing is limited, their diet shifts slightly. They’re offered grass hay, an increased amount of grain, and supplemental nutrients like salt and trace mineral blocks to ensure they stay healthy and active.

And while their diet is carefully managed, it’s not without its quirky moments. Lolly, ever the opportunist, has been known to chase down the feed truck, eager for a tasty bite. Brutus, on the other hand, takes life at a more leisurely pace. True to his mellow personality, he meanders wherever he pleases, never in a hurry but always curious.

 
Built-In Entertainment

At The Wilds, we ensure all our animals have opportunities to express their natural behaviors, and Lolly and Brutus are no exception. Their expansive habitat offers plenty of room to explore, graze, and interact with their environment. In fact, the camels often keep themselves busy. Whether it’s picking through snow-covered grass or casually strolling the pasture, they make their own fun. Occasionally, they’re even found covered in sticks from their wanderings through the shrubbery—a testament to their curious and exploratory nature.

“We don’t have to do much to keep them active,” the team explains. “They naturally enjoy roaming and grazing, even when the weather is cold.” And when it comes to enrichment, they sometimes receive additional browse to munch on, keeping their diet and daily activities interesting.

The Quirks That Make Them Unique

Every animal at The Wilds has its own personality, and Lolly and Brutus are no different. Brutus, for example, is a master of staying chill. He only has one speed, and while he may be slow, he’s also endearingly laid-back. When male camels like Brutus enter their rutting season, usually in mid to late winter, things get a little… let’s just say, interesting. It’s a time when they exhibit fascinating behaviors, such as making a deep grumbling sound, blowing spit bubbles, and using their tail to sling urine onto their hump. They even produce a substance from a gland on the back of their head that smells—believe it or not—like celery.

Lolly, on the other hand, is a bit of a foodie and a bundle of energy. Whether she’s chasing down the feed truck or sticking her head in the back for an unauthorized snack, she always keeps the Animal Management team on their toes. And in summer, Lolly has picked up Brutus’ habit of lounging in puddles, much to the team’s amusement.

Conservation with a Cause

While Lolly and Brutus are domestic camels, their wild counterparts—the critically endangered wild Bactrian camels—face numerous challenges in their native habitats. Found in the deserts of China and Mongolia, fewer than 1,000 wild Bactrian camels remain. Threats like habitat loss, competition with livestock, and illegal hunting have drastically reduced their numbers. By caring for Lolly and Brutus, The Wilds helps educate visitors about the importance of preserving these remarkable animals and their ecosystems.

Catch Them in Action… in the Warmer Months

During the winter, Lolly and Brutus enjoy their peaceful life out in the pasture, but they’re not part of our winter tours, which focus on barn areas. However, when spring rolls around, you’ll be able to see them up close, roaming their habitat and stealing hearts with their unique charm. 

So, the next time you find yourself shivering in the cold, think of Lolly and Brutus—two camels who show us every day that winter is no match for a thick coat, a hearty diet, and a little curiosity.

Safaris and Tours at The Wilds