The newest member of the Toronto Zoo’s Bactrian camel herd has been bestowed a name. The calf, born in May, has been named Zorig, which means courage and determination, the zoo revealed during a special ceremony on Friday afternoon. “The name was chosen by traditional camel herders from the other side of the world and will now find a home here in Toronto,” said Dolf DeJong, the CEO of the Toronto Zoo. According to the zoo, the Embassy of Mongolia in Canada reached out to Mongolian camel herders to ask suggestions for a name for the calf. Bactrian camels have been known to accompany herders across the Gobi Desert, making them a special part of Mongolian history, culture, and traditions. “For Mongolians, camels represent endurance, resilience and patience and the cherished bond between people and nature that has shaped this nomadic heritage for generations,” the zoo said. Friday’s ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Honorary Consul of Mongolia Toronto. Zorig is the third calf born to 11-year-old mom, Suria, and 10-year-old dad, Zip. He currently weighs 340 pounds, and the zoo said, “can often be seen running around the habitat with a case of the zoomies!” “Zorig is still spending most of his time close to Mom and is just beginning to learn how to eat solid food,” the zoo added. “He likes to mouth at the hay in his family habitat and hasn’t figured out how to eat it just yet!” The zoo said it has now seven camels. There are fewer than 950 wild Bactrian camels in remote regions of Mongolia and China, and are listed as an endangered species.
