June 22: World Camel Day

World Camel Day

World Camel Day(WCD) has been celebrated on June 22nd every year.  Dr. Raziq Kakar, who has been working with camels for more than 20 years saw the potential of camels and the need to safeguard them.  Since camels can sustain in hottest places and long thirsty days, Razig decided to celebrate World camel day on 21st of June, as it is the longest and hottest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.  But June 21st is already assigned for the World Father's day, he decided to celebrate on June 22nd, which is just 2 seconds shorter than June 21st.

Camels are used in combat, transport, and to provide food.  In those days, without camels, it is hard to travel in the desert.  That's the reason they are fondly known as the ‘Ship of the Desert'.  Scientists found out that camel milk has miraculous powers and high nutritional value.  In fact, the Raikas of Rajasthan, India survived a year-long drought by just drinking camel's milk.  Several studies show that Camel milk has more vitamin C, iron, and calcium than Cow's milk and it showed a positive impact on autism, liver disease, diabetes, jaundice, and even cancer.

Dr. Raziq Kakar started a camel dairy. Al Ain Farms for Livestock production is the world’s first commercial camel dairy.  He believed that promoting commercial values of camel milk and dairy products will create an awareness to breed camels.

From 2009 to 2012 WCD was celebrated in the province of Balochistan. Slowly and gradually, it earned support at the global level. And from 2014, it has been celebrated every year all around the world.

Below stamp was issued by Lebanon post in the year 1968 under the theme, domestic animals.