The bactrian camel is native to the steppes of Central Asia. Bactrian means that the camel has two humps, instead of one hump like the camels in India. In Mongolia's countryside, many families herd camels and use them to transport supplies across large, open areas.
The bactrian camel is pretty funny looking! First of all, it is very tall when it stands up, the distance from its feet to the top of its humps is about seven feet. It is the tallest kind of camel. Additionally, it is covered in long fur. There is a lot of long hair between its neck to its knees. Its knees are skinny and knobby. It has two huge humps right in the middle of its back. Finally, it makes a funny face as though it is sleepy or bored.
I was so excited when I saw the bactrian camel. I even got to ride one! I got on the camel while it was sitting down, and I felt a little scared when it stood up because it was so tall. But I leaned forward and held on to one of its humps tightly for support. I smiled in delight as the camel carried me around. I stroked its long fur.
