Anyone who has ever witnessed the often brutal loading and unloading of camels will particularly appreciate it when this is done calmly and carefully, without the animals being kicked, pushed, beaten, pulled or even thrown.
For the first time, together with Naod Masebo from the University of Bologna, we were able to demonstrate that camels can be trained to calmly walk up and down a truck ramp. Some of the animals even walked down the ramp completely on their own. Seven of the twelve trained camels managed to go up and down the ramp at least once. If the ramp’s surface had been even, probably all the animals would have succeeded.
The method that made this possible is called “Positive Enforcement.” The camels are rewarded with food for each step they take on the ramp and into the truck. At no point are they pulled or forced. In the end, the animals walk onto the ramp and onto the truck willingly, because food awaits them there, and they can eat calmly while getting used to the truck. They also learn to associate the truck with a positive experience.
This kind of training requires patience, as some camels progress faster than others, and it is hot under the desert sun. Fortunately, we had helpers from Samsons Farm, where the training took place.
Most importantly, we were able to achieve this result in just eight days of training under extremely challenging conditions! Most of the animals were around four years old, male, and wild – and it was the beginning of the rutting season. On top of that, the ramp was uneven, so the camels often bumped against the wooden planks as they tried to step forward. Tractors also passed by repeatedly, startling the animals.
The conclusion is clear: if it worked under these conditions, this method is fundamentally applicable anywhere!
