During our current investigation at several camel markets in Egypt, we meet Henry, a 'spent' camel bull. Even at first glance, it is clear that Henry must have been through a lot in his life. His body tells a story of years of suffering.
The pressure points of a saddle led to severe necrosis over time. This means that the tissue at this point has died off, creating a kind of "hole" in his back. He has deep injuries on his hip bones, which have been infested by flies. Before that, there are several circumferential growths reminiscent of abscesses.
We find out that Henry used to be used as a mount for tourists - most likely at a well-known tourist destination such as the pyramids of Giza. There, camels and horses are part of the typical tourist program. For many visitors, a camel ride is just a short pastime - a photo, an experience. For the animals, however, mass tourism very often means massive suffering: long working hours in the blazing sun, inadequate care and no medical attention whatsoever.
What tourists often don't see: Behind the supposedly "authentic experience" lies a practice that is systematically at the expense of the animals. And Henry is not an isolated case - he is an example of the fate of many 'farm' animals used in tourism.
But there is another way: everyone can contribute to ending the suffering of these animals - by consciously avoiding such offers and spreading Henry's message. Because without demand, there is no supply.
After all, there are so many alternatives that are much more valuable and sustainable for you and the local population - without this being carried out on the backs of the animals.
