IT'S A BOY

1:15 A.M. Jamelia gives birth to her baby boy bringing the Oasis Camel Dairy herd to twenty...

It's 3:07 a.m. ... just a quick note while yesterday morning's coffee re-heats in the microwave.
Our first little male of the birthing season poked his head out around 1:00 in the morning, March 14th. Jamelia is lactationally challenged... last year, as a first time mom she had no milk. It is rare but does occur. This year, by supplementing her with herbs and using a rather expensive milk enhancing drug used in race horses and even elephants, Jamelia has a small udder. We will start off with feeding the baby cow colostrum from a bottle... just to get him on his way and then give Jamelia every opportunity to raise this calf.
The camel veterinary specialist prescribed lactation drug is extremely pricey. But, if you met Jamelia, you would agree it is worth every penny! She is curled around her son, grunting softly. She is in love at first sight. If the lactation clicks in, she will have the chance to be a great mom.
The microwave just dinged... time to go feed the baby...

EVERYBODY LOVES LEGOS

Clyde and Valentine help open new Land of Adventure at Legoland California.

Monday, March 10th, everybody at the Oasis Camel Dairy woke up to their cell phone alarms at 5:00 a.m. We had a big day ahead of us! Our 18 year old camel, Clyde and baby Valentine where vip guests at the grand opening of Legoland California's newest attraction: Land of Adventure.

Legoland is truly a jewel here in San Diego. Whether you are a kid or an adult, the park entertains and fascinates with its imaginative, interactive rides and incredible Lego models.

Back in the summer of 07' artists from Legoland California ventured out to our ranch to meet our camels and photograph Clyde. The model builders at Legoland used Clyde as their camel model. Having seen their amazing, life-size animal models in person (our parrots performed there during summer season 06' as part of Legoland's newly opened pirate themed area)

We couldn't wait to see how the model makers captured the camels!

The camels were met by Legoland VIPs, guests and a paparazzi of cameras from both TV and print news. We spent the morning posing for pictures, working with news crews and just basically having a terrific time.

Valentine seemed to especially enjoy snuggling Gil. Between live shots, she took every opportunity to be close and cuddly.

How well did the model builders do? Well, they got Valentine's seal of approval! during a quiet time between live news shots, Valentine introduced herself to the Lego Camel and Handler. After nosing both all over, she moved over next to the camel... and laid down right beside it as if she were at home in the pasture with our camels! The resounding "Ohhhh" from all on-lookers made the moment one none of us will ever forget! Great job Legoland Model Builders!

Remember to visit our official website: http://www.cameldairy.com

Find out about visiting all of our beatiful camels, taking a camel safari and purchasing our camel milk soap.

PICTURE OF HEALTH!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This particular picture however is priceless.

When I look at this picture, my heart swells with joy. The mother camel in the foreground is Leala. She is Jasmine's mother. She is the camel we almost lost to postpartum acute kidney failure. This picture tells us two very important things about her current health status:

Firstly, her nose is buried in the green grass as she clips and chews bite after bite. Her terrific appetite tells us she is well on her way to recovery. Secondly, look at the size of the hump on baby Jasmine! (Jasmine is the calf pictured closest to Leala) That tall, pronounced hump indicates this baby is getting plenty of milk from mom! With a great appetite, good milk production and a healthy, bright alert baby, all of us here at the Oasis Camel Dairy are breathing huge, happy sighs of relief!

The second baby in the photo (the one on the far left) is Princess Knuckles. The last of our babies born in February. If you remember (see post FOUR BABY CAMELS: Feb 24) Knuckles was born very large with contracted tendons. She could barely stand and walk. We had to feed her with a bottle and hope that her humongous legs would straighten. Well, just look at those beautiful legs! And while you are looking; notice how much Knuckles and Jasmine look alike. They are like twins! The amazing thing is that Knuckles is two weeks younger than Jasmine! A normal birth weight weight for a camel is about 75 lbs. Knuckles tipped the scales at 120 lbs at birth.

Lastly, you can see a very large camel in the background. That is Sheba, Knuckles mother. This is the most exciting picture of our dairy: Three generations! We bought Sheba seven years ago. She gave birth to Leala who is now five years old. And there is little baby Jasmine, our very first, second generation birth right here at our farm.

What a sight!

You can meet our wonderful camels in person. Go to our official website: http://www.cameldairy.com/ and click on TOURS.

You can even schedule a 30 minute, Camel Safari Adventure ride.