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๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore /Culture & Society

Camels find unlikely home in outback Australia

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Camels, introduced to Australia in the 19th century, have found diverse uses in the country's outback.
  • These uses range from participating in wild races and serving as a source for alternative milk to being ingredients in beer production.
  • The animals have become an unlikely but established part of Australia's rural landscape.

Camels, originally brought to Australia in the 1840s for transport, have carved out an unusual niche in the country's vast outback. Far from being mere relics of a bygone era, these hardy animals are now integral to a variety of modern activities.

In Australia's arid interior, camels are not just surviving; they are thriving and finding new purposes. They participate in wild camel races, a unique sport that highlights their speed and endurance in the challenging terrain. Beyond sport, camel milk is gaining traction as an alternative to traditional dairy, touted for its unique properties and potential health benefits.

Even the beverage industry has found a use for these desert dwellers, with camels becoming an ingredient in beer production. This multifaceted role underscores the camel's surprising adaptability and its transformation from a historical import to a contemporary asset in the Australian outback.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.