'Immense joy' for Surrey camel after being reunited with family after years apart

An adventure farm and zoo in Epsom has captured the heartwarming moment a camel was reunited with his family after spending years apart. The reunion has taken place at Hobbledown in Surrey and saw Kado the camel reunited with his mother and brother after years apart.

Kado, a beloved two-humped Bactrian Camel who has lived at Hobbledown since 2017, has been reunited with his mother, Lucy, and younger brother, Sopwith, in an emotional gathering that has captured the hearts of staff and visitors. In 2017, Kado arrived at Hobbledown along with his father, Ghengis, from Banham Zoo.

The pair became a favourite among guests, offering many the unique opportunity to see camels up close. Hobbledown has explained that the end of 2022 brought sorrow to Hobbledown with the passing of Ghengis. In the wake of his loss, the zoo's dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure Kado received the best care and companionship.

Kado faced health challenges of his own, suffering from inflamed wounds on his knees The team explored every non-surgical option to treat his condition, from laser treatment to Manuka honey applications. Ultimately, surgery was deemed necessary but thanks to the skilled veterinary team and the incredible effort of zookeepers, Kado underwent a successful surgical procedure under sedation, followed by a full recovery.

As Kado’s health stabilised, and the team began efforts to find suitable companions for him. It was found that two camels from Banham Zoo were looking for a new home – none other than Kado’s own mother and brother. The reunion took place last week and has since brought 'immense joy and comfort' to Kado.

Head Zookeeper Lucy White said: "Seeing Kado with his mother and brother again is truly heartwarming. It's a beautiful moment for everyone here at Hobbledown.”

The Hobbledown added: "Observing Kado with Lucy and Sopwith, it is clear that their bond is strong and filled with affection. This family reunion is not just a testament to the resilience and spirit of these wonderful animals but also underscores our commitment at Hobbledown to animal welfare and emotional well-being."