CAMELO-PARDUS, or Camelo- Pardalus, an Animal like a Camel and a Panther; the use whereof the Hebrews Deut. xiv. 5, 6.were allowed by Moses. It derives its name from the resemblance it bears to a Camel in its Size, and a Panther in its Hair, having its Skin speckled with white upon a reddish ground. It is said to be produced by the Copulation of a she Panther with a Camel, or rather of a Panther with a female Camel: But both are equally improbable.
Others translate Camelo-Pardalus, Giraffa, which is a Beast found in the East Indies, beyond the River Ganges. Its Neck is long and slender, about a Fathom in length: Its Ears are slit, and its Feet cloven; its Tail is round, and does not reach below its Houghs: Its Legs are taller than any other Animal’s, so that it cannot drink without stradling. It is described with two little Horns. Others maintain, that it is a chimerical Animal, which has no real existence any where. Bochart is of opinion that Moses did not intend to mention either the Giraffa or the Camelopardus; because these were Animals which the Hebrews had no knowledge of, and were not to be found any where but in Countries too remote from theirs. Moreover he says, that the Camel being an Animal which was declared unclean by the Law, it is not probable that a Beast compounded of a Camel and a Panther should be allowed of. Lastly, He thinks the Hebrew Zamor signifies a wild Goat. Others translate it an Elk or wild Goat.