Ranu was abandoned, blind, and helpless. Blackie was rescued from smugglers. Rani spent years performing in a circus, while Martin, left lame from an injury, was no longer wanted. Each of them found safety and dignity at the Camel Rescue Centre (CRC) in

Bassi, where, for the past 14 years, hundreds of camels have been treated and rehabilitated.

Established in 2011 by Help In Suffering (HIS) with support from the ELSU Foundation, the centre provides critical medical care for working camels-those used in transport, brick kilns, and tourism.

Located 30 km from Jaipur, it has become a sanctuary for camels suffering from injuries, malnutrition, and disease. With a full- time veterinary team, CRC treats 250-350 camels every month, offering emergency care and long-term rehabilitation.

“The centre is part of HIS’s camel welfare programme, running since 2001. Each year, 5,000-7,000 camels receive free veterinary care through mobile clinics, reaching remote areas where medical services are scarce. HIS also conducts annual treatment camps at major camel hubs like Pushkar, Jaisalmer, and Nagaur, treating thousands of camels during these events,” said Timmie Kumar, Managing Trustee, HIS.

Beyond medical care, HIS has introduced humane welfare measures, such as replacing wooden nose pegs with gentler alternatives, fitting over 1,000 camel carts with reflectors to prevent accidents, and conducting regular deworming programmes for 2,000 camels annually.

For many families, camels are their livelihood, yet without proper veterinary care, these animals suffer from preventable illnesses and injuries. The Bassi centre bridges this gap, ensuring camels receive treatment while also training owners in better welfare practices.

The centre was set up because there was nowhere else for these camels to go, added Kumar. “We have treated, rescued, and rehabilitated thousands, but beyond the numbers, it’s about relieving suffering and supporting the people who depend on them,” he further said.

CRC veterinarians routinely treat camels for lameness, infections, digestive disorders, and respiratory diseases. Its mobile team reaches remote areas where veterinary care is often unavailable. “Every camel has a story,” said Dr. Abhinav Swani, Veterinary Doctor at CRC, Bassi.

Many have worked in extreme conditions for years. Others are abandoned once they are no longer useful. The Camel Rescue Centre is one of several animal welfare initiatives by Help In Suffering (HIS), Jaipur, which continues to be a beacon of compassion for Rajasthan’s gentle giants.