BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- It's an unusual road name for the Pacific Northwest: Camel Safari Drive. And it leads to an unusual ranch.
Where they raise camels.
"This is Beldar Haven Farm. We have a total of 25 camels here, including 18 dromedary camels and seven Bactrian camels." Guy Seeklus, owner of Camel Safari explained as he led one of his Bactrians -- Norman -- out of the barn.
Fact for the day: Dromedary camels have one hump, Bactrians have two humps. And what led Guy Seeklus down the road to... a camel ranch?
"I have a teenage daughter who wanted llamas. Instead I bought these two alpacas. Two guys right there," said Guy, gesturing to the pair behind him. Alpacas are related to camels, which piqued his interest. He bought his first camel, Lexi, and then...
"That one needs a companion. Which is where Norman came in. And.." Guy sighed.
You see where this is going...Soon, Guy had a camel kingdom in the Mount Baker foothills.
"They all have very unique, distinct personalities."
All of Guy's camels are quirky critters. Doha, a massive Bactrian bull that's in rut, makes a noise that sounds like a bird as he grinds his teeth. Another makes it clear he wants to go for a walk as he picks his halter off the stall wall, and shakes it at Guy.
" In my humble opinion I think that camels are more intelligent than horses, more affectionate, and they're easier to train," said Guy.
Camel Safari offers farm tours. And for folks who really want a close encounter -- camel rides.
And riding high atop a camel is a history lesson you can feel.
"Chances are pretty high that at some point in time your ancestors were either on top of one of these things, leading them...or tied up behind them. But these animals have been domesticated and used as beasts of burden for thousands of years." Guy explained.
These beasts don't appear to be too burdened living at Guy's farm in the foothills of Mt. Baker. The seem to like PNW living, and their carrot supplying owner, just fine.
"They're very very affectionate animals," Guy smiled.
