Every Christmas, three wise men arrive at Great-West Life and park their camels on the roof. They are back again, so we asked about the story behind them.

It's a popular Christmas decoration in Winnipeg and they are back once again. Every December, three 14-foot, 300-pound camels and wise men get set up on the roof of the Great-West Life building on Osborne. 

The display includes the three wise men, from the nativity story, riding camels, while a light up star shines above them. Each wise man is carrying a gift, symbolizing the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They were originally set up in 1973, but the story as to why has been lost over time.

"We think the story that makes the most sense is that we wanted a bigger holiday display because we're across from the legislative," said Helen Kasdorf, Senior Vice-President and CFO of Canada for Great-West Life. "There has been a lot of stories going around."

The camels were designed just for Great-West Life, making them incredibly unique. Kasdorf says they see many cameras being pulled out as people walk past.

"Sometimes you even see a car that will stop and pull over and take a family picture with them," Kasdorf laughed.

During the non-Christmas months, the camels and their riders are stored in the loading dock of the building at ground level. Kasdorf says, even though they are on the ground, it is highly advised that you do not ride them.

"Each camel already has one rider," Kasdorf chuckled.