Bahia

    After appearing in a holiday parade in Orlando on Monday, December 30th, 2002 a terrible accident happened that involved Gus the Camel, the famous Camel belonging to Bahia Shriners. As Gus's personal bus approached an intersection on his way home, a fire Engine with it's emergency lights on was also coming into
the intersection. The "Gus Bus" transporting Gus was forced to make a quick stop and with the quick stop, Gus fell and broke two legs. After being examined by a Veterinarian, it was determined Gus had to be put down.

    "Sir Gus" as he was known had marched in 100's of parades and was always a hit with everyone. He especially loved children and was known for the big juicy kisses he always gave. He never harmed anyone as he participated is so many events. At times the Shriners would charge a dollar a kiss from Gus, and the money would go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

    Gus was acquired 25 years ago, when the Bahia Shrine Camel Herders were shopping for a humped mascot. He was foaled in February 1977 at the Knoxville, Tennessee Zoo. The Shriners acquired the former circus camel from Gus Patterson of Tennessee. As a condition of the $500 sale, the Shriners had to agree to name the camel after you-know-who. The rest is history, as Gus the camel became a celebrity every where he
went. The Camel Herders Club received their charter in December of 1977.


    "Gus was well-known in Florida, Alabama and Georgia," "He was requested for birthdays, anniversaries and bar mitzvahs, and of course was present at many Nativity scenes during the Christmas holidays". Since he started traveling in late 1977 to the present, he had covered more than 125,000 miles, making friends for the Bahia Shriners and the Shriners hospital program. 


    Sir Gus had a special place in the hearts of all Bahia Shriners, especially those who were members of the Camel Herders Unit who did such an excellent job caring for Gus over the years. Many of them called him the kissing Camel. Sir Gus will be missed not only by Shriners, but by many thousands of people who's lives he touched. He could put a smile on anyone's face as he helped to spread the word of Shriners and Shriners Hospitals for Children. 


    Media coverage of Sir Gus's death has been big. All television networks in the Orlando area have had excellent coverage of this sad tragedy.  Radio coverage of the accident has also been a big story. The Orlando Sentinel wrote an excellent story on Gus in the paper. The Bahia website has been receiving e-mails from people with their condolences regarding Gus. Sir Gus was no doubt the best senior ambassador
Bahia Shrine ever had. He will be sadly missed by all. May he rest in peace.