Llama

The Llama is a domesticated South American camelid, widely used as a meat and pack animal by Andean cultures since pre-Hispanic times. Llamas can be referred to as “the new world camel” and are great work animals. They are still one of the only ways to get around in some part of the Andes.

The wool produced by a llama is very soft and lanolin-free.

They are very social animals and live with other Llamas as a herd. Llama are intelligent and can learn simple tasks after a few repetitions. They tend to live in very dry climates and get most of their needed water from the moisture in their food. Llamas have three stomachs and are considered ruminants.

Llamas make a variety of sounds. Females hum to their young (cria) and males make a gurgling(orgle) noise during breeding. If males are fighting, they scream at each other. A male Llama finds a high point to watch over his herd, and if he sees danger, he sends out an alarm call which all other males follow in. Llamas spit over dominance, food, and if a female is not interested in a male. They do not usually spit at humans.

Because of their protectiveness towards other animals and ability to defend themselves, they are sometimes used as guard animals for other livestock.

You know I am a Llama if  I am bigger than alpacas and guanacos. We also have a longer face and neck and have distinctive curved ears, they are sometimes referred to as banana shaped. We come in a wide variety of colors!

Diet: Llama browse on low shrubs, lichens, and mountain vegetation and grasses.