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AIBU?

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Original poster

camel ride when I weigh 15stone

186 replies

KathySeldon · 06/04/2024 19:32

Husband wats to book a camel ride on holiday next week.
I'm feeling that I am too heavy to go on a camel.
AIBU to think that?

OP posts:
sunnydayhereandnow · 07/04/2024 08:27

Wow. Lots of knees jerking here. I live in a region with camels. They are a big part of local culture in the desert. There are some camel rides that are less ethical (eg if you just stop by the road by some guy who is offering rides) and some places that are exemplary In terms of how the animals are treated and are cared for by people with generations of expertise in camel husbandry and desert life. Bear in mind also that there are sometimes good reasons eg for leg chains which allow the animal to walk freely and lie down but not to jump out of their enclosure if they are prone to do so. In regions where camels are kept, camels wandering onto roads are a major cause of traffic accidents - a good friend of mine actually lost her father to such an accident in the dark early morning hours. Keeping the camel fenced in can save the lives of both camels and people.

In short: I don’t think it’s a no in terms of weight, but choose a reputable establishment.

Danfromdownunder · 07/04/2024 08:27

No. Far too fat and thus horribly cruel to the poor beast. You do know animals don’t exist for your entertainment don’t you?

Mummame2222 · 07/04/2024 08:25

Kissmystarfish · 06/04/2024 19:40

No way. I wouldn’t ever ride an animal for fun abroad.

the uk yes. Abroad no no way.

Why? Because the animals in the UK have super human strength? 😂

Bornnotbourne · 07/04/2024 08:22

Is no one concerned about the transmission of MERs, I wouldn’t go near to camel due to the risk.

fieldsofbutterflies · 07/04/2024 08:17

Camels can carry huge amounts, so 15 stones shouldn't be an issue.

But there's no way I'd get on one, for all the reasons explained upthread.

VestibuleVirgin · 07/04/2024 08:13

TheGirlInTheGreenDress · 06/04/2024 21:30

We went on a camel last month. Weight 13 stone and DH is about 15. Camel coped fine. We weren’t the largest people there at that time.

And you knew 'the camel coped fine' how?
Did it leave you a review on trip advisor? Did it thank you for contributing its on-going abuse?
What a phenomenally stupid statement

Celticliving · 07/04/2024 08:10

StripeyDeckchair · 06/04/2024 19:46

I did a camel ride many years ago & would never do one again.
The process of going down & getting up again so a person can get on/off is painful for them.
They are unpredictable
They can bolt
They smell
They kick up loads of dust which covers the rider

On my trip one camel bolted, the rider fell off & was knocked unconscious, we were in the desert & when she came round it was either get back on or walk.
Leading a camel is shit too - they spit & bite.
We camped in the desert & the group flat out refused to ride camels out & 4WDs came in to get us.

No word of concern for the poor abused camel.

Hmmmm.

KoolKookaburra · 07/04/2024 08:06

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 07/04/2024 08:05

Totally fine for you to say this about horse riding if that's how you feel, but an unridden horse living in a field requires much of the same care and expense as a ridden one.

A lot of people realistically aren't willing to pay that for years for an unridden pet.

So no, you wouldn't see a lot of horses "running around in the fields", a lot of them would be euthanised.

Fair enough to have your views on horse riding but don't be naive in terms of what would happen to the horses.

Show quote history

That's fine. As long as no more are bred

KoolKookaburra · 07/04/2024 08:05

MolkosTeenageAngst · 07/04/2024 07:55

What’s your feeling on horse riding?

Show quote history

If the horse is enjoying it fine. Otherwise I think its cruel

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 07/04/2024 08:05

therealcookiemonster · 07/04/2024 01:12

riding any animal for entertainment is a no for me.

I know I will offend the horselovers but I feel the same way about horses. we have cars, planes, trains, buses. let the poor dears run around in the fields

Totally fine for you to say this about horse riding if that's how you feel, but an unridden horse living in a field requires much of the same care and expense as a ridden one.

A lot of people realistically aren't willing to pay that for years for an unridden pet.

So no, you wouldn't see a lot of horses "running around in the fields", a lot of them would be euthanised.

Fair enough to have your views on horse riding but don't be naive in terms of what would happen to the horses.

Vegetus · 07/04/2024 08:00

If I was camel I wouldn't want to carry a fat human around for their enjoyment.

MolkosTeenageAngst · 07/04/2024 07:55

KoolKookaburra · 07/04/2024 07:31

I do

Show quote history

What’s your feeling on horse riding?

TwilightSkies · 07/04/2024 07:33

No, leave the poor camels alone.

KoolKookaburra · 07/04/2024 07:31

MolkosTeenageAngst · 07/04/2024 00:06

Surely that’s completely different, dolphins are wild animals. Camels have been used by humans for transportation for thousands of years, the breeds used in this manner are domesticated and couldn’t be found in the wild, like horses. In much of the world they are used in the same way horses are used in Europe, to pull carts or carry people over long distances. Riding a camel is like riding a horse, not like swimming with a dolphin. Obviously that’s not to say it’s okay to ride a camel in a situation where the animal is badly treated, just as you shouldn’t ride a horse in those situations, but I really don’t think riding a camel can really be compared to swimming with a dolphin.

Show quote history

I do

Sunnnybunny72 · 07/04/2024 07:16

The hottest I have ever been in my life was riding camels at midday in Tunisia in August. It went on and on. One woman passed out, was stuck under a hosepipe and they sent her away on a cart.
It was the most uncomfortable and un enjoyable experience ever.

DrJoanAllenby · 07/04/2024 07:10

Don't do it. The animals are treated badly and 15 stone is a huge amount of weight for any creature to carry around.

Theoretically as a beast of burden they are capable of carrying that amount of weight but just just because they can doesn't mean they should.

What a miserable existence having to spend their days lugging around obese tourists.

boredybored · 07/04/2024 07:07

Yes too heavy ..

AuntieMarys · 07/04/2024 07:04

It's like the donkeys in Lindos. If you're too lazy/ unfit to climb up to the Acropolis...don't do it.

bakewellbride · 07/04/2024 06:36

I'm a little over half your weight but would still never do it, it's cruel.

therealcookiemonster · 07/04/2024 01:12

riding any animal for entertainment is a no for me.

I know I will offend the horselovers but I feel the same way about horses. we have cars, planes, trains, buses. let the poor dears run around in the fields

Miri13 · 07/04/2024 01:10

TheGirlInTheGreenDress · 06/04/2024 21:30

We went on a camel last month. Weight 13 stone and DH is about 15. Camel coped fine. We weren’t the largest people there at that time.

How do you know they coped?? They probably had to carry more people after you for hours later. Shame on you and your husband for contributing to the abuse of animals!

Shabnamsshoos · 07/04/2024 01:09

effoffwind · 06/04/2024 19:47

I'm so glad we are more aware of the maltreatment of animals abroad
Elephant rides , camels , dolphin shows , zoos , monkey pics .. all things we used to do merrily but not anymore

Yes I did an elephant ride over a decade ago when I didn’t know any better - I’d be horrified too again. I now sponsor an elephant in an ethical locally owned sanctuary in Kenya and would visit there if I went to Kenya ever but wouldn’t of course ride the elephant - not that they’d let me anyway!

I was only 8.5 stone when I did the elephant ride btw but it was still wrong.

theduchessofspork · 07/04/2024 01:08

RickyGervaislovesdogs · 06/04/2024 19:33

While there isn't a specific weight limit for camel riding, it is advisable to adhere to general guidelines. Typically, riders are recommended to weigh no more than 220 pounds. Children are often permitted to ride camels, provided they meet the appropriate weight and height requirements.

Why would you ask AI this question? Bizarre.

flowerysuit · 07/04/2024 01:05

When I was younger I did this at 14 stone. Looking back it was incredibly cruel in general, nothing to do to with my weight. Are you sure?

Miri13 · 07/04/2024 01:03

Don’t do it. You are too heavy plus you are contributing to abuse of animals

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