Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback

by

Robyn Davidson

Zeleika Character Analysis

Zeleika is Davidson’s young female camel, whom she gets from Sallay Mahomet. Zeleika is spirited and bossy, and she becomes pregnant after running away one night. She gives birth to baby Goliath, who joins the group for the trek. Zeleika becomes ill toward the end of the journey but recovers by the time she reaches her new home near the coast.
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Zeleika Character Timeline in Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback

The timeline below shows where the character Zeleika appears in Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3 
Chaos vs. Order Theme Icon
...camels in return. She chooses an older female named Kate and a younger female named Zeleika. At the same time, her friends at Basso’s farm move away and leave their house... (full context)
Chaos vs. Order Theme Icon
...for the desert. Though uneasy, she distracts herself by continuing to care for her camels. Zeleika is too thin, while Kate is traumatized from her abusive past and hates humans. Kate... (full context)
Chaos vs. Order Theme Icon
Individuality and Interconnection Theme Icon
...to worsen, and Davidson spends several months devoted mostly to caring for her and training Zeleika for riding. The two camels are closely bonded to each other and Davidson slowly learns... (full context)
Chaos vs. Order Theme Icon
Individuality and Interconnection Theme Icon
Sallay comes to visit Davidson and informs her that Zeleika seems to be pregnant. He tells her that having a baby camel on the trip... (full context)
Chapter 5 
Chaos vs. Order Theme Icon
...friends convince her to go on vacation for a week, but while she is away, Zeleika gives birth to a calf: the adorable baby Goliath. (full context)
Chapter 6 
Chaos vs. Order Theme Icon
Femininity and Society Theme Icon
...in their hobbles. She ties Goliath to a tree, hoping that doing so will keep Zeleika and the other camels nearby. She describes some of the food she eats on the... (full context)
Chapter 10 
Chaos vs. Order Theme Icon
Racial Tension and Oppression Theme Icon
...need a rest and also worries that the camels might not be getting enough food. Zeleika is especially skinny, as she nurses the greedy Goliath almost constantly. (full context)
Chapter 12 
Individuality and Interconnection Theme Icon
Racial Tension and Oppression Theme Icon
As Davidson and Rick near Carnarvon, Zeleika becomes ill. With the help of some residents of a nearby station, they nurse her... (full context)