At Rancho Grande Ojai in California, a rescued camel named Albert has been drawing attention online for his surprising way of moving uphill. In a viral video, Albert drops to his knees and shuffles forward, a motion that first looked like stumbling but is actually a calculated method. His caretakers explained that camels lower their center of gravity by walking this way, making it easier to balance on steep or slippery ground, PetHelpful reports.

The approach is more than just quirky. It is a survival tool evolved over thousands of years in desert landscapes. By pressing their tough, calloused knees into the ground, camels gain traction and stability where their tall, heavy bodies might otherwise falter.

Built for Harsh Terrain

Camels are digitigrade, meaning they walk on their toes rather than flat-footed. Their feet are broad and cushioned with flexible pads, which allow them to spread their weight across soft sand or grip rocky ground, according to the Journal of Zoology. These natural “shoes” help explain how camels can adapt to different terrains, including hillsides outside their native deserts.

The study noted that camels often use a pacing gait—moving both legs on one side of the body at the same time. This rhythm is efficient for long distances across flat land but becomes unstable on slopes. When hills appear, dropping to the knees provides extra anchoring, compensating for the pace’s weaknesses.

Camels use their knees to walk uphill.

Why the Knees Matter

Their padded knees do more than aid climbing. The tough skin also allows camels to rest in scorching sand without burning. These adaptations show how every part of their body plays a role in survival.

“Thanks to thick pads of skin on their chest and knees, camels can comfortably sit in very hot sand,” animal welfare group SPANA explains.

This same adaptation makes their uphill shuffle possible. By easing the load across four contact points instead of two, camels distribute their weight more evenly, reducing stress on their long legs.

The motion looks strange but is highly effective.

Coming Back Down

Descending can be even trickier than climbing. Caretakers at Rancho Grande Ojai describe how camels lean back, stiffen their legs, and spread their feet wide for balance. Their wide pads act as brakes, letting them move slowly and deliberately without slipping, PetHelpful reports.

It may look odd, but this method shows the deep ingenuity of an animal shaped by harsh environments. Whether crossing deserts or navigating American farm hills, camels reveal adaptations that keep them steady where others would falter.