Texas Camel “Albert” Becomes Social Media Sensation, Inspiring Children’s Book Plans
Somis, California – August 4, 2025 – A three-year-old camel named Albert, rescued as a one-month-old on a dairy farm near stephenville, Texas, has captured the hearts of millions online, amassing over 100 million views across tiktok and Instagram. The unlikely internet star is now inspiring plans for a children’s book series by the Murad family,who operate a private animal sanctuary and Airbnb on their 40-acre property in somis,Ventura County,California.
The story of Albert began with a struggle for survival.Born on a Texas dairy farm, the young camel required round-the-clock care as his mother was unable to adequately feed him.Alex Murad, son of ranch owner Richard Murad, stepped in, bottle-feeding Albert and even sleeping beside him to provide comfort and support.Despite now thriving on a diet of hay, Albert maintains a strong bond with Alex, frequently following him around the property, even shadowing his tractor.
“He needs me, and he looks forward to seeing me,” Alex Murad shared. “I can see it in his eyes. He’s my friend.”
The Murads relocated to California in 2023, bringing Albert and a growing collection of rescued animals with them. Albert, a dromedary camel (one-humped), is expected to live around 30 years and continues to grow, though his size hasn’t deterred his penchant for sneaking into the family kitchen.
While he’ll eat almost anything offered, Albert has a particular fondness for apples, consuming up to 50 per day before richard Murad intervenes. Beyond his appetite, the Murads emphasize Albert’s intelligence and ease of care. He responds to commands, demonstrates an apparent understanding of human emotions, and actively protects the other animals on the ranch, which currently houses over 60 rescued creatures including ducks, goats, and various bird species.
From Snow Day to Social Media Star:
Albert’s rise to fame began in December 2022 when Richard Murad posted videos of the camel experiencing snow for the frist time. The footage, showing Albert playfully “dancing” in the snow, quickly went viral. “The rest is history,” Richard Murad said. “It’s always the Albert show.”
The family is now leveraging Albert’s popularity to raise awareness about animal rescue and sanctuary life. They are actively developing a children’s book series centered around Albert’s adventures,hoping to share his story with a wider audience. Guests staying at the ranch’s airbnb cabin and glamping tents also have the opportunity to interact with Albert and the other animals.
Richard Murad,a former skincare mogul,notes that caring for rescued animals has profoundly shifted his viewpoint. While he strives to maintain emotional distance, he admits forming connections is unavoidable.”We always build a connection even though we promised not to,” he said, while gently cradling a duck with a broken leg, highlighting the constant cycle of rescue and rehabilitation on the ranch.
The sanctuary operates largely on private funding and donations, with this article made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Fund to Support Local Journalism.
Contact:
Makena Huey
Investigative and Watchdog Reporter, Ventura County Star
makena.huey@vcstar.com