Woman Tragically Killed by Pet Camel in Australia

A woman was fatally injured by her pet camel in a tragic incident at her family home in the Mitchell area of Australia. The victim, Pam Weaver, was just shy of one year into owning the camel, which was given to her as a unique gift for her 60th birthday by her husband, Noel Weaver.

On the fateful day, Pam’s daughter discovered her mother’s lifeless body after hearing a commotion outside while preparing dinner. The camel, weighing approximately 150 kilograms (330 pounds), had knocked Pam to the ground and, according to her daughter, attempted to mate with her. In the process, Pam suffered fatal injuries, including a distinct footprint on her face and another on her arm.

The camel was only 10 months old and had recently exhibited erratic behavior prior to the incident. Reports indicate that it had previously tried to “straddle” other animals on their ranch, including their pet goat. Detective Craig Gregory, who investigated the scene, stated, “I would say it had probably been playing, or it may even be a sexual sort of thing.”

Camel expert Chris Hill supported this assessment, asserting there was no doubt that the camel’s actions were sexual in nature. He explained, “Camels aren’t aggressive animals by nature, but they can be dangerous if treated as pets.”

The couple’s decision to buy a camel stemmed from a shared passion for exotic pets. Initially, the family considered gifting Pam a llama or alpaca but opted for the more affordable camel due to Australia’s ample population of wild camels, which have been present since their introduction in the 1800s.

This incident underscores the complexities involved in owning exotic animals. According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, many regions require a license for camel ownership, reflecting the potential risks associated with such pets. Detective Gregory noted the camel had been hand-reared and was accustomed to human interaction, drinking from a bottle and eating from hands.

The tragic outcome of this unusual gift serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities that come with exotic pet ownership. While camels can be charming and affectionate, the dangers they pose should not be underestimated, particularly when their behavior is not fully understood.