What started as a routine day caring for animals ended in a tragic accident. According to Delaware Online, which obtained details from a Delaware State Police spokesperson, 65-year-old Delaware farm owner Juan Caride died after one of his own camels fell on him while he was tending to the animal at his family’s farm in Felton.
Friends and family described Caride as an animal lover who cared for dozens of animals on the family’s 50-acre property, including 20 horses, nine donkeys, and three camels named Bubbles, Chocolate, and Batman. The camel involved in the accident was Batman, which the family had raised for years.
The loss has shaken both the local farming community and those who knew Caride through his pawn shop. One of his closest friends, Torres Hector, told Delaware Online that one of the last things Caride ever said to him was, “I love you.”
While fatal camel accidents are extremely rare, the incident is a reminder that even familiar animals can pose serious risks because of their enormous size and weight. Authorities have not indicated the camel acted aggressively, only that it fell on Caride while he was caring for it.
The Family Raised Their Camels From Calves
According to previous interviews with the family, Caride’s wife, Toni, raised the camels from the time they were calves. She described them as friendly animals that enjoyed interacting with people.
Batman, the camel involved in the accident, was originally purchased as a companion animal. Juan later added two female camels to keep him company, creating the small herd that became part of everyday life on the farm.
Camels Are Gentle — But They’re Also Massive
Although camels are often known for their calm personalities, they’re incredibly powerful animals. Adult camels can weigh well over 1,000 pounds, meaning an accidental stumble or fall can quickly become life-threatening.
Investigators have not suggested the camel attacked Caride. Instead, officials said the tragic incident occurred while he was tending to the animal.
Friends Remember a Man Who Loved Animals
Beyond the farm, Caride was remembered as someone who cared about both people and animals. Friends described him as generous, kind, and willing to help those around him.
For those closest to him, it’s the simple moments they’ll remember most. Hector said the last words they exchanged were, “I love you,” a memory that now carries even greater meaning following the unexpected tragedy.