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2 the Outdoors: A New Life For Baboo

2 the Outdoors' Terry Belke introduces you to a dromedary camel named Baboo.

EAST AURORA, NY — For those who rescue wildlife, the depth of animal intelligence never ceases to amaze. They experience it on a daily basis with many species — from birds to mammals.

But even the most seasoned stewards of the earth can learn new lessons. Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in East Aurora is currently being tutored by a most unlikely mentor, a dromedary camel named Baboo.

"To see the emotional complexity of this animal has really been an eye-opener," said Tanya Lowe, Hawk Creek's Director Of Wildlife Education. "Camels are considered to be the livestock of the future. They can be used for wool, for milk, for meat, as a pack animal, things like that, they're a very versatile animal, and definitely a very interesting one."

Baboo came to Hawk Creek from Michigan. His previous owners were unable to keep him any longer. It was a big decision for the center. There were many factors to consider, but in the end they decided to take him, sparing him from a fate that may have been auction or worse — to be killed for meat. When the big move day arrived, Lowe said Baboo was beside himself.

"He threw the largest tantrum I have ever seen," Lowe said. "He's about eight feet tall, and he threw himself onto the ground, started rolling, just from me trying to lead him to the trailer, and made the most insane noises I've ever heard in my life. And when he realized I wasn't going to force him into it, he stopped, looked at me, came over, and put his head against my chest."

Once he got to his new home in East Aurora, there was still much work to be done to ease his anxiety and acclimate him to his new surroundings," Lowe said. "That all went well, but the real turning point came with the introduction of some unlikely friends."

"He went into training and has been doing very well. But still, he was still never quite content. And that's when Bam Bam the fainting goat came in, and Atticus the donkey, and they just became each other's family, they became each other's herd."

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Interspecies relationships like this are not at all uncommon and are well documented. The herd also has two horses in its population, and Lowe says they all seem to have a bond.

"It's become a big part of their life, and for the camel, he is especially dependent on the donkey and the goat," Lowe said. "If he can't see them, if we have to separate them because we're working on their feet and things like that, if he can't see them, all you see is this giant tufted head running around the fence, and he starts almost mooing because he doesn't see his goat!"

Hawk Creek's goal is to eventually introduce Baboo as an educational ambassador, and he should make a big impression.

"Just letting people see this incredible animal up close and learn about him is the goal and that's what we will be working towards, but's it's very much going to be at his speed. You know I'd love to say yes, you can come and see him at all of our 2018 events, but we are going to go at his pace," Lowe said.

A gift to Hawk Creek makes a great Christmas present for the wildlife lover in your family. If you would like to help support Hawk Creek or volunteer, visit their website here.

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