CAMEL FAMILY ~ the Joy of Relationship

original oil on canvas painting by © Karrel Christopher
CAMEL FAMILY ~ the Joy of Relationship
~ measures 50 x 60 cm ~ karrelchristopher.com
A tribute to off-duty circus camels ~ may all be free!

For most of my life I had only had some vague, cliché impression about camels from T.V., movies and advertisements. And I found it a bit curious that a friend of mine from years back expressed great interest in them. He had a curio cabinet filled with camel figurines and pictures and I was fascinated by his attraction - what did he know or sense about them? I don’t think he had ever seen them in person - other than possibly at a zoo or circus (a cruel enslavement that never allows them to fully express themselves or be happy). Hopefully we can all experience a genuine knowing of the beings we share this Earth with - in respectful, kind ways, in more natural environments or in safe sanctuary.

I had never seen a camel and never expected to. But in recent years while traveling in Europe, photographing and painting various animals – I had several occasions to meet off-duty circus animals – which included camels. I was deeply saddened to see them in unnatural and exploitive situations for entertainment and greed. As I learned more about them, I realized that for a very long time that camels have also been imposed upon for transportation, labor, wool, dairy, meat and brutal ritual sacrifices. Like all beings betrayed in these ways – they are denied their normal family relationships, environments, routines, dignity, joy, freedom, safety and ultimately life itself. On top of it, they often get unfairly pinned with a bad reputation (spitting, kicking and biting) because they don’t respond well to their captivity, neglect and abuse.

I was unsure what to expect but hoped very much to learn more about them in person. Even though these camels were “domesticated”- being that they were in far from ideal circumstances, I cautiously approached them with an open heart, wanting nothing from them but friendship. With quiet gentleness and respect I spent many wonderful, joyous hours with these camels. In earning their trust, I happily discovered how wondrous, beautiful, tender and affectionate they can be. And as I have come to more fully understand in recent years with many animal species new to me – they too cherish relationships - very much! Despite their size and so-called reputation, I experienced only profound peace with them.

Camels are fully aware with all their senses and enthusiastically engage with their herd and people who kind to them. I have a genuine appreciation for these special animals and now very much understand my friend‘s affection for them. This painting is a tribute to these beautiful souls and my eternal hope that all beings may be safe and free.

In knowing others gently ~ with love and respect ~ we are all connected. 
That wondrous communion is the profound gift of life.

All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE
~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone.

CAMEL FAMILY ~ a tribute to off-duty circus camels
original oil on canvas painting by © Karrel Christopher
~ measures 50 x 60 cm ~ karrelchristopher.com

Further information:

A VISIT WITH OFF-DUTY CIRCUS ANIMALS

~ 2015 article by © Karrel Christopher 

It was a gray, drizzly day – the kind of day that makes you want to stay warm and cozy in bed; to simply pull the covers over your head and wait for the sun to come out.  But I had this nagging feeling that I could not ignore. Just two days earlier – while heading to visit some of my farm friends – I saw a disturbing site.  From the freeway, I could see the bright yellow and blue tents.  This year a circus company had not set up on lush farmland – but on an ugly, barren and mostly abandoned industrial lot.  And there penned in by electrified cords in the run down parking lot were several camels and a lone elephant.  I was upset and confused – because I understood new law stated that animals were no longer permitted to be used in the region for circus entertainment.  Well, it turns out to be misleading because the language of the law refers to “wild animals” versus domestic animals.  There is a *manmade custom list* of which species will be considered “wild”. All the feel good marketing to try to appeal to activists and the public is terribly misleading - animal use in circuses continues!

~ Ban on circus performances with wild mammals ~

“The following mammals will be permitted to perform in circus acts: donkeys, horses, dogs, cats, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, camels, dromedaries, rabbits, brown rats, domestic mice, guinea pigs, golden hamsters and gerbils.
Species in other animal classes will also be permitted to perform in circuses, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Zoos and marine mammal parks:  Wild mammal performances will be permitted in zoos and marine mammal parks.”

~source: http://english.rvo.nl/topics/agriculture/circus-animals

Regardless of the weather, I felt compelled for the animal’s sake to try to see for myself what was going on.  Camera in hand, my friend and I headed out to the dreary location and found access at the back side of the massive lot near a deserted building.  After a long journey through broken coarse asphalt, concrete & bricks cluttered by weeds and trash, remnants of old tile floors, remaining skeleton walls of a huge old factory covered with graffiti, and more crumbling parking areas – we finally reached the back side of the circus set up.

Immediately I spotted 7 camels enclosed by a simple electrified cord. There was no elephant in site today (later I learned she was hidden away because of too many questions and I was not permitted to view her).  To left side of the huge circus tent complex were several RV’s and camping trailers for the employees surrounded by portable metal fencing and a number of loud barking dogs of various breeds guarding the area.  I thought for sure we would be quickly spotted and asked to leave, but no one appeared (until later).  Looking around the lot, we saw several barricaded empty truck trailers – some with straw on the floors…some with door open, one with doors closed.

The camels stood on hard deteriorating asphalt bordered by some weeds. Nearby the rainbow colors of an oil or fuel spill bled across the surface with the cold intermittent rains. A large black tub held a few inches of dirty water cluttered with hay, debris and plastic. There was no food, no bedding and no shelter.  The tiresome roar of nearby freeway traffic filled the air and echoed among concrete forms and pillars.  I can’t imagine how anyone – human or non-human would choose to spend a day here – let alone a week to ten days!

Slowing I approached the camels offering them my most peaceful and loving thoughts.  They looked so fatigued, bored and depressed. At first they did not seem very interested or responsive.  I spoke to them with soft gentle words…and waited.  They finally started moving about, checking in with each other – as if to evaluate the strangers in their presence.   Curiosity got the better of one lady.  She suddenly moved her massive wooly body on large feet confidently towards me. Looking me directly in the eyes as she came closer, sniffed my outreached hands and planted her nose on mine.  It was such a beautiful moment and I assured her with a gentle pat that she and the others were safe and respected.  One by one, each of the seven camels came over for a visit.  My heart was overflowing with joy with so much trust and affection from these gentle giants.

I have had 4 previous encounters with camels recent years – and quickly learned that they have very sensitive noses and lips.  When you earn their trust – you will share lots of affectionate face time together!  They will lovingly snuggle their head and necks on and round yours.   Among themselves and with human friends, this seems to be a primary way they enjoy communicating. When treated with kindness, they tenderly offer the same.  I have never been hurt, bitten or spit on by camels. 

During the afternoon, we kept hearing an eerie, strange pathetic screeching from some animal over and over again…possibly an elephant?  We tried to find the source but could not.  It gave me the creeps and made me feel so sad and uneasy. We hoped later to learn more.

After a couple of hours of fascinating observations, affection and photographs - a man from the circus compound approached me.  He was seemingly cautioning me about how very dangerous the camels are.  With the help of my friend’s translations – we learned he had been a caretaker with the circus for a few decades. He said the camels attack and bite (they certainly were gentle and loving with both my friend and I). These camels were about twenty years old and un-neutered.  And yes, they breed.  He said they currently have two mothers with a baby each.  With an enthusiastic smile I convinced him to let us visit them. 

We were allowed into the tented animal holding area. As with everywhere else, the surface was hard eroding asphalt. Only a very thin, rain, urine & feces soaked layer of hay covered the surface where the two mothers and their six month old calves were kept. And that is what they were eating.  It looked like soul slimy seaweed.  One of the calves was sitting rather blank and motionless - foaming at the mouth.

Looking down the row of galvanized stalls next to them, I saw a donkey, 4 Friesian Stallions, 2 spotted ponies and a Haflinger Stallion. All had the same wet hard ground with no straw bedding at all. Some had water, some did not.  None had food.  I would assume that food and water is restricted and/or withheld before shows to reduce urine and feces messes in the performance rings (it would also serve as a method of incentive and manipulation).  All the animals behaved bored, frustrated and depressed.  I was told by an English speaking woman caretaker that the smaller of the ponies had been the animal screeching for a couple of hours.  Supposedly he was just upset about a newer horse in the stall next to him.  I had never heard such disturbing noises come from a pony –ever.  Light in these stalls was very low and I refrained from taking photos.  I did not want the flash to frighten the animals or to make the staff suspicious (especially with my next question). 

I asked about the elephant that I had previously spotted. This afternoon, she was hidden away.  I got the official speech about the new law and was told that we could not be permitted to see her (even though it would not be a performance for pay?). I did learn that she is fifty years old…and their only remaining elephant (a few years ago, I met three with this touring circus).  There was no explanation and I dared not push further, since they allowed me this far.

She shared that the circus staff feels upset about the new law regarding animal use – claiming that they are being unfairly targeted. They claim to love their animals and provide them with good care (my observations would question that!).  Resentment is high about having their livelihoods threatened. She told me that there was no sanctuary for the elephant to go (which is unconfirmed) – so that they were burdened with the care of an “unemployed” elephant. She still had to be carted around with them everywhere they traveled!! Interesting is that this was a European traveling circus and with the laws and regulations varying in each country they tour – so apparently she still is forced to “work” in countries that still permit elephant performances)! 

The so-called reforms are very limited victories and very misleading!

All I could think about was the terrible stress, frustration and loneliness that elephant and the others must experience (and for so many years!).  The law regarding “wild animals” was not truly addressing her hardship – nor that of the other animals *approved for use* in circus entertainment. 

“The following mammals will be permitted to perform in circus acts: donkeys, horses, dogs, cats, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, camels, dromedaries, rabbits, brown rats, domestic mice, guinea pigs, golden hamsters and gerbils.
Species in other animal classes will also be permitted to perform in circuses, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Zoos and marine mammal parks

Wild mammal performances will be permitted in zoos and marine mammal parks.”

~source: http://english.rvo.nl/topics/agriculture/circus-animals

  In the meantime, my friend translated from the man – similar sentiments about the legal issues and the challenges of the circus work, routine and lifestyle.

There is no doubt that circus life is very hard for the people and the exploited animals. In each town they visit they set up for about 10 days, tear down and move on…in ever changing weather, terrain and conditions.  The hard labor and disruption must be very difficult.  But the people have a choice – the animals do not.  Many of the animals tolerate the demands through exhaustive training methods…others do not.  The man explained to my friend that it is not unusual for some of the animals to be stubborn, to not do what they are told and to misbehave. (Who could blame them – in such an unhappy, exploited routine!?)  Shockingly-- he admitted that they whip them to make them cooperate!!!  I was stunned to hear him admit this (but not surprised, since there are many stories of neglect and abuse in animal entertainment venues).  Needless to say, another report and appeal for change will be made!

We tried to not linger longer and spent the remaining daylight minutes with the camels before leaving. Connecting with them was a heartfelt experience but I felt terribly sad for the hardships they and the other animals endure with so much constant traveling/transport, so much waiting and being forced to do tricks and performances…and in what I consider to be miserable conditions.  It was a privilege to meet and get to know them more –observing their sweet personalities and tender relationships with each other.  I promised these dear souls I met today that I would tell their story – and hopefully shed light on their plight.

Please DO NOT SUPPORT and FINANCE venues that use and exploit animals for entertainment.  Please advocate for these animals to be removed from forced employment and to be placed in legitimate animals sanctuaries.  Let’s stop irresponsible captive breeding and the stealing of wildlife from their natural homes and families.  Make sure your entertainment comes from persons who are allowed dignity, choice and free will --and who are always free from harm and neglect.

ALL BEINGS CHERISH SAFETY, FAMILY, FREEDOM and LIFE

Create a world respectful, safe and joyous for everyone.

~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~

*NOTE:  In meeting with animals: It is very important to regard all animals (especially unknown, semi-wild and wild ones) with great caution and respect.  It is important to consider when and how to engage with them – and when to let them be.  Always take time to observe them, get a sense of their temperament --and to be sensitive to their needs, environment and possible experiences (good and bad). Learn about their seasonal and hormonal cycles that can alter their behavior.  Like any person, they value their personal space and should not be imposed upon unless absolutely necessary (responsible caretaking, safety and medical assistance).  Loud noises, yelling, fast moves, aggression and violence disrespects and destroys relationships.  Harassment, abuse, harm and unnecessarily taking lives are not acceptable. Choosing to walk away, taking a time out and to distance yourself is far better for everyone – so no one gets hurt.  If domesticated, speak with caretakers – learn, evaluate reasonable measure and act responsibly. Consult your conscience – not just routine accepted traditions.

Regardless of your experience with animals or their so-called domestication, never make assumptions. At any moment an animal’s natural wild instincts can activate and they may respond or act in an unpredictable manner. 

I have nearly ten years of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian, have training and experience with animal communication, participated in rescues, caretaking and have volunteered in farm settings.  Countless hours have been spent watching, engaging, photographing and assisting animals.  My animal encounters have brought me great joy, peace and much creative inspiration.  They remind me every day of the importance of continued learning, awakening and listening to instincts and walking my path with respect, kindness and compassion for all sentient beings.