While it may be a joy ride for some, the camels on RK Beach have a torturous time as they carry their burden around in terrain that is absolutely unsuited to them

In between the selfies on the beach, there are joy rides to be had on RK Beach. Visitors can be spotted enjoying camel rides along the coastline. The question begs to be asked: What are these desert animals doing in this humid, coastal region?

They are clearly not happy. They have patchy hair, rashes on their skin and damaged hoofs. Camels are on the Red List of ‘threatened’ species as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “Camels are suited for desert conditions. Being forced to live in other weather conditions leaves them susceptible to respiratory disorders and skin diseases,” says Dr Manilal Valliyate, CEO PETA India. He adds how most joyride operators ignore the animals’ distress and rarely provide them with veterinary care. “Left untreated, the sores grow progressively more painful and often develop into acute infections and abscesses.”

Chandrapal Singh looks after the camels on RK Beach. According to him, the owner purchased two camels about 18 months ago from Rajasthan. “This job helps me feed my family each day,” he says. He charges ₹50 to ₹100 per person for a ride which typically lasts less than five minutes.

Ships of the desert There are three species of the camel: one-humped dromedary is also known as the Arabian camel; two-humped Bactrian camel and Wild Bactrian camel.

The Arabian camel makes up 94% of the world’s camel population.

There are about four lakh camels in India according to the National Dairy Development Board. About 80 % of them are in Rajasthan.

To report crime against animals call PETA 98201 22602

These camels are kept in a shed at Kancharapalem. Every day he rides the camel in scorching heat to RK Beach, covering more than 15 kilometres of tarred road whereas it is well known that the camel’s hooves are suitable only for sandy terrains.

Dr Navin Kumar, a Hyderabad-based wildlife veterinarian says, “Joyrides are very much punishable under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.” According to Navin, zoos across India no longer have camels because they are listed as domestic animals.

Pradeep Kumar Nath, the founder of Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals rues that there are hardly any veterinarians in the State who specialise in treating camels since they aren’t native to the region. He adds, “I hope the municipal authorities will take steps to prohibit such activities.”