Photo by Rik Carlson

Oliver “Ollie” the camel, a well known and well loved double-humped landmark who grinned at passers-by from his home on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh, died last week. A message on the Oliver Camel Facebook page said, “I stand here, as my own herald, making my last and final message. It is with wonderment that I, Oliver T. Camel, left this earth on February 21st, 2020 in the early evening.

I lived a great life and was well cared for during my time here. My fans supported and loved me to the fullest and one might say I was spoiled. I can’t thank you enough for all of your kindnesses over the years…

As my last wish, I ask all of you to celebrate my life with joyful memories which I’ll take into the afterlife. My next adventure is ahead and I am ready to take it on–to go where no camel has gone before!”

According to the Associated Press, artist Judith Giusto owned and cared for Ollie, who was 17 when he died.