A camel named Kemmi at an animal shelter in Pakistan’s Sindh province has become the first large animal in the country to receive a prosthetic leg. In June 2024, Kemmi’s leg was amputated by a local landowner who wanted to “punish” the animal for entering his field.
Videos of the cruel incident quickly spread on social media, sparking public outrage. Authorities responded by transferring the injured camel to the CDRS shelter in Karachi. Shelter staff and veterinarians noted that the camel was not only physically injured but also deeply traumatized and especially fearful of men. Shelter director Shima Khan said, “Kemmi would often cry out, and her heartbreaking wails were hard to ignore.”
Rehabilitation was challenging and included introducing Kemmi to another female camel, Kelly, which helped her feel calmer and attempt to stand on her three remaining legs.
After initial treatment, a custom-made prosthetic leg was ordered from the US. Once fitted, Kemmi took her first steps. Veterinarian Babar Husain explained that Kemmi is not yet fully adapted to the prosthesis, but with daily 15–20 minute sessions she is gradually adjusting. Full adaptation is expected to take about 2–3 weeks.
This marks the first time in Pakistan that a large animal has received a prosthesis, and experts see it as a major step for the country’s veterinary and animal welfare fields. Kemmi is now living permanently at the shelter in Karachi, where she receives ongoing medical care, social support, and physical rehabilitation.
Specialists hope this case will become a catalyst for fighting animal cruelty and for advancing rehabilitation opportunities for injured animals across Pakistan.
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