Rudolph the Red-Nosed ... Camel?

Now in its 13th year, the sprawling "Christmas Fantasy" display at the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round has a new member in the cast – Bonnie, the Bactrian camel.

"Typically we have reindeer up here," explained an employee, "but this year we couldn't get reindeer, so we have a camel instead."

"It's just a fun, festive thing," she added.

The annual fantasyland – emitting a multi-colored glow in the middle of otherwise dark Tilden Park – also includes a giant lit Christmas tree, a large holiday village, a live Santa and numerous imaginatively decorated Christmas trees inside the carousel building.

Joining 9-month-old Bonnie is her four-hooved friend, Julio, who looks like a very small pony the size of sheep but is, according to the sign on his pen, a "Dwarf Mini Horse."

The reindeer who used to come have become older and don't like to be moved, said Terri Oyarzun, owner of the Merry-Go-Round concession.

"The camel really enjoys it," Oyarzun said. "She's just happy to be part of the Christmas spirit as only a camel can."

Patch asked if the choice of camel was inspired by the mode of travel associated with the Three Wise Men.

"Oh, no, no, no," said Oyarzun. "It's because of who she is."

Asked about the camel's reputation as often being ornery, Oyarzun said Bonnie is her personal pet and, unlike the stereotype, is "very sweet," even gentle enough for children to touch.

"She is particularly sweet and nice," Oyarzun said.

The Christmas Fantasy display at the Merry-Go-Round runs through Dec. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Information on Santa's schedule, which varies, and can be found at 510-524-6773.