Monty the camel is settling into his new home at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park after spending all his life in a travelling circus.
The seven-year-old camel was born in captivity and had never met another camel until he was given to the park by the Bobby Roberts Super Circus.
John Minion, Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s animal director, said: “He’s settling in brilliantly. He was a bit shocked by all the space and other animals around at first, but he’s feeding well and is going to be a big hit with everyone. He has a wonderful, gentle nature and doesn’t seem to be pining at all.
“We have a large herd of camels and we plan to introduce him slowly. It’ll take six months for him to learn how to behave like a camel rather than a human.”
Dr Ros Clubb, senior scientist for the RSPCA, said “We are so pleased that Monty coped well with the journey, is safe and is now making himself at home in his new surroundings.”
Matt Forde of Specialist Wildlife Services, the organisation which helped find Monty his new home at the park, said: “The circus decided to go wild animal-free and voluntarily asked us to rehome their camel. He’s in good condition and has been loved and looked after.
“But being on the road, without the society of other camels, is not the best life for him and it seems the circus has realised that, which can only be a good thing.”
The Bobby Roberts Super Circus is now an animal-free zone after also giving up its elephant Anne to Longleat Safari Park.