Camels racing with robot jockeys

Camels ridden by mechanical robots race to the finish during a six kilometer race at the 12th International Camel Race in Kebd Feb 14, 2012. According to organizers, camel jockeys were replaced by mechanical robots since 2005 due to international pressure because camel owners were found to be involved in human trafficking, buying children from countries like Pakistan and India for their smaller frame and lighter weight to ride on the camels. Since the ban on human jockeys, owners have continued to race their camels, controlling the whip with their remotes as they follow the race trackside in their jeeps. A total of about 500 participants took part in the five day tournament to compete for 65 Toyota Land Cruisers in addition to cash prizes. [Photo/Agencies]

Camels ridden by mechanical robots race to the finish during a six kilometer race at the 12th International Camel Race in Kebd Feb 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]