Gaddafi’s Camels in Zambia
 

Would you pay to see camels in SLNP? or tell your guide, forget lions, I want to see camels?

http://tinyurl.com/2sk6ah

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.

And to think we thought Zuma was mad.

Interesting to compare President Mwanawasa's response to offer of the camels, which may die and likely won't breed, to Abraham Lincoln's response to the Thai king's offer of elephants.

President Mwanawasa: “While it is true that camels are desert animals and that the Zambian environment may not be conducive for them, it is also true that with good management these animals can adapt to the Zambian environment and even produce,” he said. “I therefore, wish to challenge you the minister through your wildlife experts to ensure that these animals are well looked after so that they quickly adapt to the new environment and start producing.”

Abraham Lincoln: “Our political jurisdiction,” Lincoln wrote, “does not reach a latitude so low as to favor the multiplication of the elephant.” The US declined the offer to take the elephants.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be on the lookout for camels on the next trip.

I like the Better be Running story. It can serve as an inspiration to those of us who are not morning people.

A camel is a horse designed by committee :=). Any questions?

Nothing quite like a top down policy to introduce a non-native species to the National Park system.

I'd say add polar bears if you are going to forget about the natural heritage and just add attraction species. I'd pay to see that.