Zurich Zoo will replace camels with endangered golden takins

Zurich Zoo will move its four Bactrian camels out within two weeks as it shifts towards keeping only threatened species or animals relevant to research by 2030, SRF reports.

The camels, which are a domesticated breed and are not endangered, will move to a camel farm in Olmerswil, in the canton of Thurgau. Endangered golden takins will take their place once the old camel enclosure has been renovated. The bovids, which come from the Himalayas, have golden fur and resemble a cross between a goat and a cow.

The zoo’s seals will also have to leave because they are not threatened and their enclosure is outdated. Their next home has not yet been announced. Zoo director Severin Dressen said all animals leaving the zoo would be placed elsewhere, as they are part of a European keeping and breeding programme.

The changes will not affect the camels’ role in Zurich’s Sechseläuten parade. Christian Bretscher, master of the Kämbel guild, said camels would continue to take part, travelling from Olmerswil rather than walking from the zoo.

Elephants, rhinoceroses, gorillas, tigers and giraffes will remain at the zoo because their populations in the wild are considered threatened.