“Choyerita” is the first female camel born in Los Cabos, and her arrival has charmed caretakers with her curly coat, long lashes, and soft brown color.
She is the daughter of “Choyerito,” the first camel born in Baja California Sur more than four years ago. Both camels are part of the Camel Sanctuary operated by local adventure company Cactus Tours.
Their names are derived from “Choyero,” a nickname for people born in Baja, combined with the diminutive “ito” or “ita.”
At just a month and a half old, Choyerita is the youngest and smallest of the Sanctuary’s 44 camels. It will take her at least four years to reach adulthood.
Most camels at the Sanctuary are dromedaries, one-humped camels, like Choyeritaand Choyerito. A few Bactrian camels with two humps also live there.
Camel Supervisor Fabián and veterinarian Ximena Caballero say the animals receive specialized care, including treatment for rescued camels that have suffered mistreatment or unsuitable conditions. Those not fit for tours remain full-time residents of the Sanctuary.
“We have 44 camels, but only 38 work with visitors,” said Fabián. “They rotate shifts, get days off, follow tailored diets, and receive regular checkups.”
Camels shed their fur in warm weather and grow it back in winter. Though highly adaptable, they prefer warm climates. In the wild, they can drink up to 120 liters of water in 10 minutes to store it for later. In captivity, where food and water are always available, they can still go a week without eating.