Camel Walks Again with New Leg
Tuesday, 22 July, 2025242 words4 minutes
In a groundbreaking development for animal care in Pakistan, a young camel named Cammie has been fitted with a prosthetic leg, marking the first instance of such a procedure for a large animal in the country. The camel, whose front leg was severed in a traumatic incident, has been under the care of an animal shelter in Karachi.
Sheema Khan, the shelter manager, described the emotional moment when Cammie took her first steps with the artificial limb. The prosthetic, sourced from a U.S.-based company, represents a significant advancement in veterinary care in the region. Veterinarian Babar Hussain emphasized the unprecedented nature of this intervention for a large animal in Pakistan.
Cammie's rehabilitation process has been multifaceted. Initially traumatized and distrustful of humans, the shelter staff faced the challenge of gaining her confidence. In a strategic move to aid her recovery, they introduced another young camel, Callie, as a companion. This social interaction proved crucial, encouraging Cammie to attempt standing on her remaining three legs for the first time.
The adaptation to the prosthetic leg is an ongoing process. Hussain explained that they don't force Cammie to use it, instead allowing her to stand and walk at her own pace after it's attached. He estimates it will take another 15 to 20 days for her to fully adjust to the new limb. Despite the challenges, the caregivers are optimistic about Cammie's future and have decided that the shelter will be her permanent home.
