JAIPUR: Ranu was abandoned, blind, and helpless. Blackie was rescued from 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 Camel Rescue Centre (CRC) in Bassi, where, for the past 14 years, hundreds of camels have been treated and rehabilitated.
Established in 2011 by Help In Suffering (HIS) with support from the ELSU Foundation, the centre provides critical medical care for working camels—those employed in transport, brick kilns, and tourism. Located 30 km from Jaipur, it has become a sanctuary for camels suffering from injuries, malnutrition, and disease.
With a full-time veterinary team, the CRC treats 250 to 350 camels every month, offering both emergency care and long-term rehabilitation, according to a Press release by GreyMatters Communications.
“The centre is part of HIS’s camel welfare programme, which has been running since 2001. Each year, 5,000 to 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 such as Pushkar, Jaisalmer, and Nagaur, treating thousands of camels during these events,” said Timmie Kumar, Managing Trustee of HIS.
The milk of human kindness
Beyond medical care, HIS has introduced humane welfare measures, including replacing traditional 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 a vital source of livelihood. However, without access to proper veterinary care, these animals often suffer from preventable illnesses and injuries.
The Bassi centre, stated the Press release, bridges this gap by ensuring camels receive necessary treatment while also educating owners on improved welfare practices.
“The Bassi centre was established because there was no other place for these camels to go,” added Kumar. “We have treated, rescued, and rehabilitated thousands of camels, but beyond the numbers, our mission is to alleviate suffering and support the communities that depend on them.”
CRC veterinarians routinely treat camels for conditions such as lameness, infections, digestive disorders, and respiratory diseases. The centre’s mobile team extends its reach to remote areas where veterinary care is often unavailable.
“Every camel has a story,” said Dr. Abhinav Swani, Veterinary Doctor at CRC, Bassi. “Many have endured years of labor in extreme conditions, while others are abandoned once they are no longer deemed useful. Our work provides them with a second chance at life.”
The Camel Rescue Centre is one of several animal welfare initiatives led by HIS in Jaipur. Through its efforts, HIS continues to serve as a beacon of compassion for Rajasthan’s gentle giants, added the GreyMatters Communications media release.
