Camels Bringing Magic to Fuerteventura’s Reyes Cabalgatas
Every year, Fuerteventura transforms into a land of wonder and excitement during the Reyes Magos celebrations on January 5th and 6th. This year is no exception, as over twenty camels from Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura will once again take part in the magical parade alongside the Three Wise Men, spreading joy and delight across various localities on the island.
A Trusted Tradition
For over three decades, Oasis Wildlife has proudly served as the designated camel reserve for the Reyes Magos. The center altruistically lends these majestic animals to ensure that the spirit of gift-giving reaches children across Fuerteventura. This collaboration is not merely about transportation; it’s about immersing both youngsters and adults in a rich tradition with more than six centuries of history in the Canary Islands.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Oasis Wildlife goes beyond just participating in the cabalgatas; it actively engages in initiatives throughout the year that emphasize the importance of maintaining local traditions. By providing camels for the Reyes celebrations, they give the community a unique opportunity to learn about these animals, which have played an integral role in the island’s cultural fabric for centuries. This experience allows participants to connect with the historical significance of the camel in a fun and engaging way.
Ensuring Safety and Welfare
With the well-being of the camels as a top priority, Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura has recently introduced a comprehensive safety protocol. This protocol, shared with the cultural and festive departments of local municipalities, dictates how the animals will be handled, transported, and cared for during the celebrations. This includes clear guidelines that local governments must adhere to, ensuring a safe environment for both the camels and the community.
Key elements of the protocol cover:
- Designated Routes: Specific paths for the parades, ensuring minimal risk to the animals.
- Rest Areas: Mandatory breaks where animals can rest and recharge during long events.
- Transport Guidelines: Instructions for safely moving the camels to and from events, especially considering adverse weather conditions.
These measures aim to guarantee the safety of not only the participating camels but also the public at large during this bustling time.
Collaborative Efforts
The recent protocol meeting brought together representatives from various municipalities, including Pájara, Tuineje, Antigua, and Puerto del Rosario. Key figures from these towns engaged in discussions to better understand the measures necessary for a successful and safe collaboration.
Mónica Haround, the curator responsible for camels at Oasis Wildlife, emphasized the importance of adhering rigorously to welfare regulations to ensure a successful partnership with local municipalities. Haround stated, “Our primary goal is the perfect care of the animals participating in these mass events. We have been collaborating in these parades for a long time with total guarantees of safety and quality, and we will continue to do so in the future.”
Crowd Management Protocols
To maintain the well-being of the camels during the crowded celebrations, certain restrictions have been put in place. For instance, throwing candies or direct interactions between the public and the Wise Men while they are mounted on camels are strictly prohibited. A minimum distance of 2.5 meters must be maintained between the camels and the audience, ensuring safety for both parties.
Trained Guide Camels
The camels participating in the parades are specially trained guide camels, accustomed to the presence of large crowds and noises typical of such events. These camels undergo extensive training from birth, allowing them to comfortably navigate the sights and sounds of the festivities. This preparation is essential for reducing stress and ensuring that the animals remain calm and composed throughout the event.
Specialized Transport and Nutrition
Oasis Wildlife takes transportation very seriously. The camels are transported in specially designed trucks equipped with sand-covered floors, easy access ramps, and ample space for them to lie down comfortably during transit. This meticulous transport process mirrors that used for horses, but with greater emphasis on the specific needs of camels.
In addition to safe transportation, the nutrition of the camels is carefully managed. They receive a diet that includes quality local forage and camel-specific concentrates, providing them with the necessary nutrients to perform well throughout the demanding festive days.
The Endangered Canary Camel
Oasis Wildlife boasts the largest camel reserve in Europe, with a notable population of Canarian camels. This significant animal is native to Africa, arriving in the Canary Islands in the mid-15th century with explorative expeditions. The species quickly adapted to the unique conditions of the islands and has since been recognized as a native European breed, albeit now classified as endangered.
This conservation aspect is crucial to Oasis Wildlife’s involvement in the Reyes Magos celebrations. They aim to raise awareness about this unique species and ensure its place within the local cultural traditions, which the cabalgatas symbolize.
