Working tirelessly to rescue, treat and rehabilitate camels
A Contributor
NATIONAL, March 17, 2025: In the arid landscapes of Rajasthan camels has long been a symbol of resilience carrying loads, transporting families and serving as lifelines for many communities. Yet, thousands suffer from injuries, malnutrition and neglect. Providing a haven for these gentle giants, the Camel Rescue Center (CRC) in Bassi has been working tirelessly for the past 14 years to rescue, treat and rehabilitate camels in need.
Ranu was abandoned, blind, and helpless. Blackie was rescued by smugglers. Rani spent years performing in a circus, while Martin, left lame from an injury, was no longer wanted. Each of them found safety and dignity at the CRC, where hundreds of camels have received life-saving care.
Established in 2011 by Help In Suffering (HIS) with support from the ELSU Foundation, CRC provides critical medical care for working camel those used in transport, brick kilns, and tourism. Located 30 km from Jaipur, the centre treats 250–350 camels every month, offering emergency care and long-term rehabilitation.
The center is part of HIS's camel welfare programme, running since 2001. Each year, 5,000-7,000 camels receive free veterinary care through mobile clinics, reaching remote areas where medical services are scarce.
"HIS also conducts annual treatment camps at major camel hubs like Pushkar, Jaisalmer, and Nagaur, treating thousands of camels during these events,” said Timmie Kumar, Managing Trustee, HIS.
Beyond medical care, HIS has introduced humane welfare measures, such as replacing wooden nose pegs with gentler alternatives, fitting over 1,000 camel carts with reflectors to prevent accidents and conducting regular deworming programmes for 2,000 camels annually.
For many families, camels are their livelihood, yet without proper veterinary care, these animals suffer from preventable illnesses and injuries.
The Bassi center bridges this gap, ensuring camels receive treatment while also training owners in better welfare practices.
"The Bassi center was set up because there was nowhere else for these camels to go," added Kumar. "We have treated, rescued, and rehabilitated thousands, but beyond the numbers, it’s about relieving suffering and supporting the people who depend on them."
CRC veterinarians routinely treat camels for lameness, infections, digestive disorders, and respiratory diseases. Its mobile team reaches remote areas where veterinary care is often unavailable.
"Every camel has a story," said Dr Abhinav Swani, Veterinary Doctor at CRC, Bassi. "Many have worked in extreme conditions for years. Others are abandoned once they are no longer useful. Our work gives them a second chance at life."
The Camel Rescue Center is one of several animal welfare initiatives by Help In Suffering (HIS), Jaipur, which continues to be a beacon of compassion for Rajasthan’s camels and the people who rely on them.
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