Car wash doubles as shower for local camel

Drivers passing through the Speedway Car Wash on 8th Street Thursday might have noticed a camel getting sprayed down.

That camel was Glen and Jennifer Gregston's dromedary, Yogi, and he was being washed and shined up for a good cause.

The owners of Speedway Car Wash agreed to let the Gregstons wash Yogi there to raise awareness for a benefit Saturday.

Yogi is one of the attractions at the Gregstons' petting zoo, along with their Mexican hairless pigs, goats, sheep and other animals.

His easygoing personality made him ideal for another project the Gregstons are working on to help out a friend in need.

"He's a really good boy," Jennifer Gregston said. "Camels kind of bond to one or two people, but he loves to have anyone feed him."

The camel will be used at a benefit for Charlie Cyr. Cyr has been in and out of the hospital for the past five months with a spinal infection and requires extensive rehabilitation.

Yogi will appear at a benefit fundraiser at Britain's Farm, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. Participants can feed the camel for $1, and an auction will be held for a ride and photograph with Yogi and participate in other activities.

Call Lois Britain at 783-4212 or Gregston's Feed and Cowboy Supply at 782-3333 for more information.

WHO IS THIS SOAPY CAMEL?

Name: Yogi

Age: 13 years

Species: Dromedary (one-humped) camel. These types of camels originated in

Asia but now exist only as domesticated animals.

Height: 7-1/2 feet at the hump

Weight: More than 1,500 pounds

Favorite food: Camel feed, but his owners say he enjoys sweets as well. "He loves cookies and crackers, especially animal crackers," Jennifer Gregston said.

Job description: Yogi's owners at Gregston Feed and Supply use him in their petting zoo, at county fairs and in nativity plays around the holiday season. "The Wise Men ride the camel," Glen Gregston said. Yogi will be appearing at a benefit Saturday to raise funds for the Gregstons' friend to offset his medical costs.

How to wash a camel: The Gregstons say that, while they can wash Yogi at home, it is best to use a pressure washer on him due to his thick coat of shaggy fur and underfur.

Cost: Approximately $50 at the Speedway Car Wash.

Soap: A mixture of dishwashing liquid and several bottles of peach-scented Alberto VO5 shampoo and conditioner.

MEET YOGI IN PERSON

A ride and photo with Yogi will be auctioned off at a fundraiser Saturday to benefit Charlie Cyr, a friend of the Gregstons. Attendees can also feed the camel for $1. In addition to Yogi, the fundraiser will feature a dance, a live and silent auction, games for children and an animal race.

WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Britain's Farm, 4230 W. Riverside Drive.

WHY: To raise money for Charlie Cyr, a Yuma man suffering from a spinal infection that has required major medical rehabilitation for the past five months. Organizers hope to raise $50,000.

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Contact Lois Britain at 783-4212 for tickets and more information.

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Sarah Reynolds can be reached at

sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.