Mayhem the camel.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK: Alysha Bartlett

A North Okanagan camel has been turning heads over the last few months since its arrival at a Lavington property.

Lavington residents Alex Schlosser and Alysha Bartlett picked up Mayhem in the spring from a couple that has been raising camel for years in Sylvan Lake, Alberta.

Schlosser told iNFOnews.ca they just went to check the place out but fell in love with Mayhem and wanted to fulfill Bartlett's childhood dream.

"Alysha has always wanted a camel since she was a kid. She's had horses all her life. I told her that one day I'd bring her one," Schlosser said.

At that moment he decided to turn that dream into a reality.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED: Alex Schlosser

"It was just a magical day meeting these camels and it went from just a visit to, 'OK how do we make this work,'" he said.

While Bartlett had always wanted a camel, Schlosser is surrounded by them at work in Saudi Arabia – he conducted this interview via Facebook Messenger from his home there.

The couple picked Mayhem up in the spring and the young camel turned one year old in May – he'll live to about 40.

So why a camel?

"Mayhem had a certain character about him from the moment we met him. There was an instant bond formed," Schlosser said. "Mayhem has gotten sweeter by the day. He's incredibly intelligent and loves to play. He does really well with the other animals too, even when his little goat friend head butts him for his share of oats."

Maythem hanging out with Hank the horse.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED: Alex Schlosser

The camel is still young and likes to test boundaries but Schlosser says overall the couple is very impressed with him.

Mayhem's father is 7'5" tall and described as "noble and stoic." The couple plan to one day be able to ride Mayhem when he's older. He won't fully mature until he's seven years old.

He's currently shedding a lot of fur, and contrary to some social media concerns that he isn't in the best shape, the couple confirm it's perfectly normal and he's very healthy.

His shedding could also be a good opportunity for someone with weaving skills. They've been collecting his fur and looking for someone who would be interested in making something from it. You can contact them through this Facebook page.

Mayhem has attracted a lot of attention in the neighbourhood so the couple opened up their property on Mother's Day.

"We held a little meet and greet for him... we had cold drinks, crafts for the kids and flowers all by donation. All proceeds went to the Lavington ice rink," Schlosser said. "So Mayhem got fed a whole bunch of treats and raised some cash for the community. It was a great day."

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