So Sassy, who last gave birth in February 2000, was not expected to become a mother again so soon, he added. But the 1,300-pound Sassy did anyway. Santana is her seventh offspring. Mother and child are on public view, but will be kept apart from the other camels in a maternity pen for two to three weeks. Santana, when fully grown, will weigh about 2,000 pounds, Butler said, but that won't be for six or seven years.
Females reach maturity sooner, in about four years.
There are about 500 Bactrian camels in the wild, according to zoo spokeswoman Christina Simmons. The two-hump camels come from Asia, and are listed as endangered.