"Wild Bactrian camels are classified as critically endangered and there are believed to be fewer than 1,000 animals remaining in the wild," says Tim Thier, zoological manager/antelope, through an e-mail. 

Baby camel at the zoo

Photo provided by St. Louis Zoo

Eli, a Bactrian camel, was born March 11.

According to Thier, baby camels usually weigh between 80 to 120 pounds and can walk shortly after birth. As with most babies, Eli and his mom are pretty close.

"Like all baby camels, Eli and his mom have a very good bond and they remain close to each other at all times," Thier says. 

Baby camels are born with two humps just like their parents, but at first those humps lay flat against their sides. When Eli starts to eat solid foods, Thier says, those humps will fill out and store fat rich in energy.

On average, one baby camel is born at the zoo each year.

"Eli is doing very well and is happily living with his herd mates," Thier says. "His mom is very experienced and is doing a great job raising him."

Eli can be seen now with the camel herd at the zoo. There are currently three adult females, one adult male, a 1-year-old female and Eli.

In addition to the new baby camel, the zoo is expecting two baby elephants next year. Ellie, an Asian elephant, is due in late summer 2011, and her daughter Rani is due mid-summer 2011. Raja, the zoo's bull elephant, is father to both the new elephants.