Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

1. How the Camel Got His Hump

Episode 1 of 5

4 Extra Debut. Vivienne Parry and the science behind Rudyard Kipling's stories - starting with the camel. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014.

Vivienne Parry is back to consider more of the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children.

Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity' (yes - they're awfully clever) she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth?

Vivienne begins by trying to discover if science can yet explain how the camel got his hump?

Rudyard Kipling's humped beast is as grumpy as they come and is punished for his laziness.

Vivienne talks to Dr Lulu Skidmore, Director of the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai about the tricky business of Camel IVF and the truth about just how grumpy (and lazy) these beasts are.

Excerpts read by Samuel West.

Producer: Rami Tzabar

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2014.

15 minutes

On radio

Today09:30

Broadcasts

  • Mon 23 Jun 201413:45
  • Mon 5 Jan 201509:30
  • Today09:30