HARRINGTON — For those looking for free entertainment and education at the Delaware State News, Circus Hollywood’s camel show is the perfect choice.

Every day, Serge Coronas Jr. and others from Circus Hollywood present a free show with a group of Bactrian camels – who are double-humped unlike most. Camel rides are available before and after shows for $10, height and weight permitting.

This year, two performers ride the camels in a ring for a large group of people, performing body contortions and even standing straight up as the camels waltz around the ring.

Then, five of the performing camels put on their own routine with trained movements, techniques and tricks. At one point, three of the camels trot clockwise while two others travel counterclockwise in a smaller circle within the ring, bringing applause from the crowd.

The camels perform across the East Coast and Midwest, from Maine to Missouri to Delaware. Bradenton, Florida is home of their animal sanctuary where they live when not on the road.

Camels in the ring range from their early teens to mid-20s, while a few “seniors” made the trip, but do not perform. One named Chester is limited in how much he is allowed to move, due to signs of arthritis.

Mr. Coronas said the animals are “better together” than being separated from one another.

Born in the United States, the Bactrian camels with Circus Hollywood have lineage dating back to Mongolia. Overseas, the species can survive six months without food or water in the desert.

While danger exists in training the camels, Mr. Coronas said the 2,000-pound-plus creatures show warning signs and become comfortable with their trainers. He says they are “just like us,” with each camel having a distinct personality, look and tendencies.

Training begins around the age of 2, and typically it takes somewhere from 14 to 20 months of practice to get up to speed, Mr. Coronas said. The training provided by Circus Hollywood is seven days a week, every day of the year.

“They are the last thing we see before we go to bed, and the first thing we see when we wake up in the morning,” he said to the crowd.

After a recent performance, Mr. Coronas took the audience through an educational discussion about the Bactrian breed, and what goes into proper training and care for the camels. After touring many places and realizing how many questions people had about the unique breed, an educational angle was added to the performance.

He also mentioned a national trend towards removing exotic animals from the industry for environmental purposes and prevention of animal abuse, which Mr. Coronas believes has led to misconceptions about the treatment of these animals that travel across the country.

In his eyes, potential federal laws that limit the transportation of exotic animals across state lines – such as the Lacey Act – could hurt Circus Hollywood and the entire industry. He emphasized the respect and care given to the camels at the show, saying they receive top-notch attention year-round in a “hands-on” atmosphere.

The Coronas family has generations of involvement with Circus Hollywood and the care of camels, pigs, goats and more. His father oversees the entire operation. But in the end, the care and training is only part of the contribution to the routines.

“It’s not the training, it’s these animals,” Mr. Coronas said. “Enjoy the animals while they’re here.”

Upcoming shows begin at 3 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday right next to the Circus Hollywood tent.