Christine Karlsson takes a step out into the garden and shouts cheerfully. Two heads suddenly protrude from the windscreen that stands in the middle of the grass. But there are no horses or cows or sheep. There are two camels. Four humps. Eight clovers. Aslan and Athena are thundering to greet their mates. Christine Karlsson has loved camels for as long as she can remember. One day she would have her own, so the dream sounded during her childhood.

- I don't really know why or how it started. But I know it developed a lot during my practice at Gotland's zoo in 2006 when I got a fantastic contact with their camel stallion Jorma, it was really love, says Christine Karlsson.

Camel Aslan first came to the family in Kallinge, in December three years ago. The camel Athena arrived later in January 2018 and is a year older than her cousin Aslan. Both are bred on a camel ranch on Öland.

- I would not want to live a life without them again, even if it is a little to take care of.

Christine Karlsson has taught Aslan several tricks. He can advance, walk back, go in a circle and - as you see in the picture. Photo: Cajsa Bengtsson / SVT

Means difficulties

Like all pets, camels require work. They poop a lot so it must be mucked, fed, watered, fenced and everything else that belongs.

- Because they are such large animals it can be difficult to maneuver them if they would not obey or get a jerk, says Christine Karlsson.

Right now they live in their winter gardens which are a bit smaller. There they have access to wind protection and free access to food. They spend the days eating and rumbling and rolling in the shavings.

"What can't I have them for?"

- The most common question I get is 'What do you really have camels for?' And my answer is, 'What can't I have them for?' Walking, socializing, cuddling, trick training, horseback riding, driving, swimming, carrying things and so on, says Christine Karlsson with a smile.

She is training both camels, but Aslan is the one who has done the most when she has had him the longest. Now it is driving that is most practiced, but also some riding.

- However, he is too young so we have only ridden him a few times. Still, he's good, like he's never done anything else when we do.