Pleas for safe return of stolen baby camel in Shepparton as mother risks dying of heartache

The desperate search is on to locate a six-week-old camel allegedly stolen from its heartbroken mother at a wildlife sanctuary near Shepparton.

The desperate search is on to find a six-week-old camel believed to have been stolen from a wildlife sanctuary in Central Victoria.

For the Love of Camels operator Lauren Wallace took to social media pleading for help to locate the young calf allegedly taken from the Ardmona site Wednesday evening.

“Can everyone keep an eye out for a baby camel if local or keep an eye out for any orphan camels being sold of a similar age, she’s only almost 6 weeks old,” she said.

A six-week-old camel was allegedly stolen from a sanctuary near Shepparton. Picture: For the Love of Camels

“Mummy is absolutely devastated.”

Her partner Brian Brian Thankhouser told 3AW Friday morning the circumstances in which the camel was taken were still unclear but he believed it was targeted.

It is understood an unused gate was found open on the property following the disappearance.

A six-week-old camel was allegedly stolen from a sanctuary near Shepparton. Picture: For the Love of Camels

“They must have (targeted the animal), yes, there’s 26 of (the camels) there and this is the youngest of them and they’re quite inquisitive,” he said.

“They’d have to know it’s a camel, it certainly doesn’t look like a sheep.

“Possibly someone has pulled up to the gate and had some food with them.”

He said its mother was “heartbroken.”

A six-week-old camel was allegedly stolen from a sanctuary near Shepparton. Picture: For the Love of Camels

“The distressing part is camels are extremely connected and emotionally bonded and quite often the mother will die when the child is taken from them simply from heartache.”

He urged anyone with information to come forward, adding no questions would be asked if the animal was returned safely.

Ms Wallace has since filed a report with Shepparton Police who are investigating the matter.

Additional security cameras have been installed at the sanctuary.