PHOTOS: MN Zoo Welcomes Baby Bactrian Camel

APPLE VALLEY, MN — The Minnesota Zoo announced Wednesday the birth of a male Bactrian camel calf.

The calf was born on Feb. 8 and stood within two hours of birth, the Zoo said. He is currently spending time with his mom Jenny behind the scenes, and according to the Zoo, is already nearly five feet tall and weighs nearly 150 pounds.

Once zookeepers choose a name for the calf, it will be announced via social media, likely in the coming days, according to the Zoo.

The calf will be introduced to the rest of the herd on the Northern Trail over the coming weeks, Minnesota Zoo said.

Minnesota Zoo encouraged those interested in the calf to follow its social media, where updates on his growth will be posted.

"Bactrian camels are among the few animals native to the Gobi desert, where wildly fluctuating temperatures, scarce supplies of food and water, and rugged terrain create a challenging environment," the Zoo said. "Bactrian camels are called 'ships of the desert' because when they walk, they move front and back legs on the same side of the body at the same time, creating a rolling motion like a ship at sea."