10 Rare ‘Swimming Camels’ Travel Kilometers From Kutch To Dwarka By Sea, Leave Authorities Surprised
Dwarka: In a rare and surprising incident, ten camels believed to be from the endangered Kharai breed swam across the Arabian Sea from the Kutch coast and reached Vadinar Port near Dwarka, prompting an immediate rescue operation by local authorities. The incident occurred after heavy rains lashed the coastal regions of Kutch, leading to rising sea levels near Deendayal Port (Kandla). The camels, reportedly belonging to Maldhari herders from Singach village in Jamnagar district, were grazing near the mangroves when they were swept into the sea.
Despite the distance and rough monsoon conditions, the camels swam several kilometers through open waters and arrived safely on the Dwarka coast. All animals were rescued unharmed by the Vadinar police and are being returned to their owners. Experts have identified the animals as Kharai camels, a rare breed native to Gujarat’s coastal regions, known for their ability to swim in saltwater and graze on mangrove vegetation. These camels are primarily found in the creeks and coastal belts of Bhachau, Jangi, Chirai, and surrounding areas of Kutch.
Designated a recognized breed by the Government of India in 2016, Kharai camels are uniquely adapted to the saline and marshy terrain of Gujarat’s coastline. They play a vital role in the livelihood of the Maldhari pastoral community and the local ecosystem.While Kharai camels are known to swim short distances in shallow waters, local community leaders described the incident as highly unusual.
“It is extremely rare for camels to travel such a long distance through open sea,” said Bhikhabhai Rabari, a Maldhari community coordinator from Bhachau. “Their safe arrival at Dwarka is both surprising and impressive.” With shrinking grazing lands and increasing climate pressures, conservationists have called for more support and protection for the breed and its natural habitat.
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