Outrage erupts after distressed tourist-carrying camel in China is forced to its feet

Outrage erupts after distressed tourist-carrying camel in China is forced to its feet Video of struggling camel has ignited debate about treatment of animals in tourism and associated ethical concerns A camel was seen crying out continuously while carrying a tourist on its back at a major attraction in China, sparking public outrage. The camel drew significant attention online after a blogger released a video on June 15, showing that the skinny animal was forced to stand despite appearing exhausted while carrying a female tourist who was taking photos, as reported by the news portal The Cover. The incident occurred at Devil City on the Sea in Fuhai county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, northwestern China, where camels are used to transport tourists for photo opportunities near a lake. The blogger, who uses the handle @yueguangbaibushibai, stated that although she was standing at a distance from the camel, she could clearly hear its loud cries. “I have heard other camels cry before, but this one sounded different. It was crying sadly and seemed utterly drained,” the blogger expressed on social media. “Every time it tried to stand up, it soon knelt down again from exhaustion. However, its owner forced it to rise by pulling on its nose rope,” she continued. “I and many other tourists felt a deep sense of sorrow for the camel as we listened to its wailing,” the blogger concluded. She later shared that she had contacted the local government to report the mistreatment of the camel.