Camels are present in Arizona, a surprising part of the state’s history. Their presence continues today through private and commercial ventures.
Arizona’s Historic Camel Corps
Camels first arrived in the American Southwest in the mid-19th century as part of an ambitious U.S. Army experiment. In 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis secured a $30,000 appropriation from Congress to import camels for military purposes in the arid region. Davis believed camels could efficiently transport goods across vast deserts. The initial shipment of 33 camels, primarily dromedaries, arrived in Texas in May 1856, followed by another 41 in early 1857, bringing the total to 75 animals.
Intended as pack animals, the U.S. Army Camel Corps conducted expeditions, notably one led by Edward Fitzgerald Beale, to survey a wagon road from Fort Defiance, Arizona, to the Colorado River. This route roughly followed what would later become Interstate 40 and Route 66. They proved effective, carrying two to three times a mule’s load with superior desert endurance.
Despite their proven capabilities, the experiment faced challenges, including resistance from traditional mule handlers and the camels’ unfamiliarity in the American military system. The outbreak of the Civil War ultimately led to the corps’ disbandment, as military priorities shifted.
Many of the camels stationed at Camp Verde in Texas were seized by Confederate forces, and after the war, the remaining animals were sold at auction. Some were acquired by circuses, zoos, or mining operations, while others were released into the wild, leading to sightings of feral camels in Arizona, Texas, and California well into the early 20th century. A notable figure among the camel handlers was Hadji Ali, known as “Hi Jolly,” who settled in Quartzsite, Arizona, and is commemorated there with a monument.
Camels in Arizona Today
No truly wild camel populations exist in Arizona today, but the animals are still found within the state. Any sightings of camels in the wild are of animals that have escaped private ownership and are considered feral. These instances are rare, such as two camels that were found roaming a neighborhood near Tucson in 2019.
Most camels in Arizona are domesticated and are part of private collections, exotic animal ranches, or sanctuaries. Some farms, like Saihati Camel Farm in Yuma, house these animals. Camels are also popular attractions at various tourist destinations across the state. The Phoenix Zoo, for example, offers camel rides to visitors. Other locations, like Quartzsite, also host camel-related events and offer dromedary camel rides. These animals are maintained in managed environments, providing educational opportunities and unique experiences for the public.
Why Arizona Was Chosen for Camels
Arizona and the American Southwest were selected for the camel experiment due to their environmental similarities to the camels’ native habitats. The region’s arid, desert landscape, characterized by extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation, mirrored the conditions in parts of Africa and Asia where camels thrive.
Camels possess unique adaptations to endure harsh environments. They conserve water by going extended periods without drinking and minimizing loss through concentrated urine and dry feces. Thick, heat-resistant pads on their feet, knees, and elbows allow them to traverse scorching sand and lie down comfortably. Their wide, two-toed feet distribute weight effectively, preventing them from sinking in soft sand. Their humps store fat for energy when food is scarce, and thick coats insulate against heat and cold. These natural adaptations made camels an ideal solution for military transport and exploration across Arizona’s challenging desert terrain.