The Bactrian Camel Calf's Name Is...🐪

TORONTO, ON, Friday, September 11, 2026 - Your Toronto Zoo held a special ceremony this afternoon in honour of naming the latest addition to the camel herd. Attended by representatives of the Honorary Consul of Mongolia Toronto, and named with the support from the Embassy of Mongolia in Canada, we are thrilled to share the little one has been officially named….

Zorig! Meaning courage and determination.

Pictured from left to right: Tsogzolmaa Dorj-Adiya (Representative of the Honorary Consul of Mongolia Toronto) and Dolf DeJong (CEO of Toronto Zoo)

The Bactrian camel holds a special place in the lives of Mongolians, as a part of the history, culture and traditions. For centuries camels have accompanied Mongolian herders across the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert, enduring harsh winters, hot summers and long journeys across the desert. For Mongolians, camels represent endurance, resilience and patience and the cherished bond between people and nature that has shaped this nomadic heritage for generations.

Zorig, (prounced ZOH-rig) meaning courage and determination, is a powerful name reflecting qualities Mongolians value deeply. The name was also chosen to reflect on the meaningful connection to Mongolia itself. The Embassy of Mongolia in Canada reached out to Mongolian camel herders and invited them to suggest traditional names for the camel calf. Among their suggestions, Zorig emerged as a particularly fitting choice.

“The name was chosen by traditional camel herders from the other side of the world and will now find a home here in Toronto” says Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo.

This ceremony is about more than bringing a name to a camel calf. It serves as a symbol of the friendship between Mongolia and Canada. The countries are separated by great geological distance, and we share many values and characteristics: vast landscapes, a respect for nature, resilient communities, and strong commitment to the values of democracy.

Here is a beautiful video message from the Ambassador of Mongolia to Canada, Sarantogos Erdenetsogt.

Zorig is the third calf born to Suria and Zip, and this arrival brings the current camel herd to seven individuals. Zorig is still spending most of his time close to Mom, and is just beginning to learn how to eat solid food. He likes to mouth at the hay in his family habitat, and hasn’t figured out how to eat it just yet! His current weight is approximately 340 pounds, and as a curious little calf, can often be seen running around the habitat with a case of the zoomies!

Bactrian camels are remarkable animals - easily recognized by their two humps which store fat to help them survive extreme environments. Native to the deserts of Central Asia, they are built to withstand both the scorching heat and freezing cold.

While Bactrian camels are domesticated, their wild counterparts face serious challenges. The wild camel (Camelus ferus) is listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered, with fewer than 950 camels remaining in remote regions of Mongolia and China.

Zorig and family can be seen daily in their Eurasia Wilds habitat. Come by and say hello to Zorig soon at your Toronto Zoo!