Cameleer Husbandry and Best Practices
in the Context of Camel Trekking
"We are immensely grateful to our camels for their exceptional care towards people during treks. In return, we ensure that they have the freedom to browse and eat throughout the day. We strongly believe in treating them with kindness and avoid using any harmful control devices, such as nose pegs that can cause discomfort to their sensitive snout tissue or chain halters that can restrict their jaw movement.
However, it's important to note that we are not naive or impractical. A loyal employee values their employer, and we strive to cultivate such a relationship with our camels. The only difficulties we encounter are when we take in camels with past traumas. Resolving their trauma requires time, dedication, and patience."
Karen Jane Ellis, Owner & Co-Director - Camel Treks Australia Pty Ltd - Camel Carer since 1996
Learn with Camel Treks Australia
In 2024, Directors and Owner Cameleers of Camel Treks Australia, Paul and Karen Ellis, are once again offering mentoring options for veterinary students and camel enthusiasts with the support of Head Cameleer Edward Buckingham.
Their approach to sharing skills is old-fashioned and requires a commitment to attend a minimum of three consecutive treks, preferably four. The learning opportunities are provided in the context of trekking, and in exchange, participants gain hands-on experience. There is a monetary contribution required for food items beyond fruit, vegetables, legumes, and bread, but no learning fees. However, participants are expected to contribute on long days, with plenty of dirt, dust, hard work, and a willingness to follow instructions while working within a team.
Many of today's Australian and International camel assistants can trace their beginnings back to being mentored by Paul and Karen Ellis within Camel Treks Australia. If you are seeking a job within the industry, then this is a safe and good place to start learning.
Historically, new or prospective owners of camels in Australia who were eager to learn sought out the expertise of older, experienced camel operators. Learning traditionally took place on the job, at the site of working with the camels with an experienced operator, whether that be in busy public locations or outback trekking.
Although the twentieth century witnessed a major shift in emphasis towards school and post-school-based training, recent years have been characterized by a revival of on-the-job training and close links with actual working enterprises.
Today, there is increased recognition of the success that on-the-job training provides. Individuals are mentored for an extended duration with Camel Treks Australia's team, which offers structure within its successful business model incorporating camels and tourists. This real-life practical hands-on training can lead to greater learning outcomes for camel owners and handlers eager to delve deeper.
Paul and Karen Ellis have been actively assisting camel seekers worldwide since 2013 and welcome interested persons to apply for learning opportunities annually between April and October. However if you're looking for a holiday, there are easier options than being with them. Although this is an exciting opportunity, it is also very demanding. It will be an advantage if you consider yourself emotionally strong, physically able, mentally competent, and have a high level of maturity. If you have a physical, emotional, or mental disadvantage, please understand that this will not be a suitable environment for you as they are very remote and do not have easy access to medical care of any kind that supports physical, emotional, or mental well-being. They are, however, trained in First Aid and carry the Royal Flying Doctor Chest as well as a plentitude of First Aid.
Paul and Karen prioritise a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both drinking and smoking. Consequently, individuals who engage in alcohol or drug use need not apply, as maintaining full awareness throughout the day is impossible when intoxicated and is additionally not suitable when working alongside guests and school students.
Learning days on camel treks are long. Prior to and following camel treks, participants are required to set up and pack away from the actual camel trek. It is essential to understand that camel treks and station life are amazing, but they do require a mindset that is enthusiastic and self-sufficient. Treks can vary from four days to two weeks. Ideally, to apply, you should consider yourself to be a healthy, energetic person who is able and willing to rise early, walk with the camels for 4-6 hours a day, in addition to assisting with meal cooking, dish washing, campfire, and camping with the camels overnight.
If you are seeking to learn more about camels and would like a learning position, please email them with as much information about yourself as possible. Please note that a successful police check is compulsory, and a working with children check will be required if you are with them during a school camp trek.
