15/6/2007

James the Bactrian camel has settled down in Pembrokeshire after life in the Gobi Desert.

He is the latest arrival at Folly Farm, Kilgetty, which attracts over 340,000 visitors a year.

Bactrian camels can live for up to 40 years so at only two James has a long life ahead of him. Being a Bactrian camel James has two humps that store fat meaning he can survive without food or water for up to three days.

His usual habitat is the Gobi Desert and steppes of Asia but the environment at Folly Farm suits him perfectly as he is extremely well adapted for living in Pembrokeshire, coping well with both hot and cold environments.

Chris Ebsworth at Folly Farm says, "James is a welcome addition at Folly, where we are already home to a number of wonderful species, some are on our endangered animals programme which is our on-going commitment to conservation."

The family owned business is set on a 200 acre site and can accommodate up to 6000 visitors per day. Set in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside, it has a friendly farmyard, spectacular zoo, Europe’s largest indoor vintage fairground and a range of indoor and outdoor adventure play.

It has won two awards including Top Day Out in Wales 2005 and Quality Assured Visitor Attraction by Wales Tourist Board.

For their environmental activity within the farm they were awarded The Green Dragon Award and currently hold the Investors in People accreditation. Next year sees Folly Farm's 20th anniversary.