California Rescue Mourns Tonka, The 11-Year-Old Camel Who Was BFFs With A Miniature Donkey
A resident camel at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California, has sadly passed away.
The rescue took to Facebook to share the news of the camel’s passing.
With a very heavy heart, we regret to say that we have lost Tonka our amazing sanctuary animal the camel. Unfortunately,…
Posted by Miranda's Rescue on Monday, June 26, 2023
They said: “With a very heavy heart, we regret to say that we have lost Tonka, our amazing sanctuary animal, the camel. Unfortunately, he had some sort of bacterial infection that took him fast, and there was nothing we could do to save him. He was an icon to the ranch and loved by so many.”
In a previous post, they said camels generally live to be around 25 years old in captivity. Needless to say, his early passing came as a shock to those who knew and loved him.
Anyone who’s been to the ranch has probably met Tonka! He is our permanent resident camel. He’s extremely excited because we just got fresh hay from everyone’s donations. He looks super sweet and friendly, but he actually can be one very dangerous animal who is people selective. Luckily he likes Shannon on most days and the easiest way to his heart is normally fresh hay. He came to the ranch from Shannons good friend Jenny Kilby. Just imagine what it will cost to take care of an animal this large. He’s about 10 years old and on average they live to be about 25 years old. #mirandasrescuefortuna #mirandasrescue #mirandasanimalrescue #shannonmiranda #animalrescue #dogrescue #animalsanctuary #savetheanimals #animalsinneed #adoptdontshop #adoptables #alllivesmatter #mykidshavepaws #nonprofit #volunteer #petsinneed #voiceforthevoiceless #iloveanimals #horserescue #ilovedogs #shelterdog #homelessanimals #secondchance #werescue #savealife #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #rescued #woof #ranchlife
Posted by Miranda's Rescue on Monday, November 22, 2021
According to the Lost Coast Outpost, Tonka had been suffering from his bacterial condition since birth and had flare-ups on occasion. Staff at the rescue would give him a medication to ease his flare-ups, and he would be fine.
This time, however, was different. Tonka’s flare-up was so severe, and the medication wasn’t working. When it was determined there was no recovering, the rescue made the difficult decision to end his suffering through euthanasia.
Miranda’s Rescue first welcomed Tonka the camel to the rescue back in late 2015.
Thank you Jenna Kilby for the new addition to Miranda's rescue petting zoo tonka the camel will love it here!!!!!!!
Posted by Miranda's Rescue on Tuesday, November 10, 2015
According to the Lost Coast Outpost, Tonka immediately hit it off with a miniature donkey at the rescue named Blossom.
“Tonka and Blossom would run around together, and whenever Miranda had to groom Tonka or give him medical care, Blossom had to be there to help Tonka stay calm,” the outlet shared.
The rescue’s founder shared that whenever Blossom was out of Tonka’s sight, the camel would become notably upset.
While Miranda’s Rescue offers temporary homes for dogs and cats while they wait to be adopted, it served as a permanent home for Tonka and Blossom. The two become well-known at the rescue for their adorable antics and close friendship.
