Oregon rescuers dig camel out of sinkhole

[September 16, 2010]  OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) -- It was an unusual call for Oregon firefighters: A 1,500-pound camel, named Moses, needed to be rescued.

The call came in Tuesday night in Clackamas County after the Oregon City owners of the camel called firefighters to say that Moses had fallen into a sinkhole 6 to 8 feet deep and was possibly injured. The owners -- who have several camels and run a children's ministry -- had tried to get the camel out themselves but failed.

Firefighters had to carefully shovel mud for several hours to free the animal. The rescuers were concerned Moses would break his legs if he'd try to free himself while still partially buried.

But Moses was patient, and eventually firefighters got him out. Moses lay on his side for an hour resting after the rescue. A veterinarian said the animal looked unhurt.

[Associated Press]

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