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Michigan Renaissance Festival bans vendor after bringing in sick, underweight camel for rides

Posted at 12:49 PM, Sep 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-01 18:21:35-04

The Michigan Renaissance Festival says it has banned a vendor who brought in a sick, underweight camel for rides.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Ren Fest says they discovered the vendor withheld the health history of the camel.

The vendor, according to the festival, said the camel was under vet care for a condition that caused extreme weight loss, but is improving and should have a complete recovery.

Oakland County Animal Control was called and put in touch with the camel's owner to make sure the animal's welfare is being monitored.

"We are reaching out to ensure all of our Patrons that this is not something that we take lightly and would never allow something like this to knowingly happen," the festival said in a statement. "We have withdrawn the contract with the camel’s owner so he will not be returning."

Here is their full statement:

Please Share: This past weekend it was brought to our attention that the company we contract with for the camel rides had brought in a young camel that seemed to have health problems.

After speaking with the Vendor we have discovered that information had been withheld on the health history of the young Camel. After speaking further with the vendor we have been assured that the camel is indeed under Veterinary care for a condition which has caused extreme weight loss but is improving and should enjoy complete recovery.

We have met with Oakland Animal Control and put them in touch with the camel’s owner to help assure the animals welfare is being monitored.

We are reaching out to ensure all of our Patrons that this is not something that we take lightly and would never allow something like this to knowingly happen. We have withdrawn the contract with the camel’s owner so he will not be returning.

Thank you to all those who reached out, we appreciate the support and your concerns for the health and safety of this animal

Most Sincerely, Your Michigan Renaissance Festival Family