The leaders of the pack
Calming llamas have increased in popularity since Covid, and here’s why we love them!
With their big beady eyes, shaggy coats and charming smiles, it’s no surprise that llamas are enjoying their time in the spotlight. In fact, there are up to 4,000 of them in the UK.
Following a recent trial that found that an antibody produced by llamas could be turned into a treatment against Covid-19, the camelid’s fanbase is set to surge. But here are some things you might not know about our furry friends…
THEIR EATING HABITS ENSURE THEIR DURABILITY
Grazing on grass and nibbling on flowering plants, the pack animals are herbivores.
With three stomach compartments, the shaggy creatures regurgitate food before chewing the swallowed remains. Harsh conditions dominate their habitats, meaning that llamas can also go a long time without water.
THEY HAVE MANY
HIDDEN TALENTS
With their sturdy physiques, the long-lashed beasts provide people of the Andes with transport, carrying up to
25% of their own body weight. Quick at learning new skills, llamas can be trained to accept a halter, follow on a lead and get on and off transport. As well as providing muscle, their hides can be turned into leather and their wool into garments. Their excrement can even be used for fuel!
SPITTING ISN’T THAT COMMON
When it comes to spitting at humans, it’s extremely uncommon – unless they feel threatened. But in the wild, as social creatures living in herds of up to 100, spitting and fighting is often seen to establish a place in the social hierarchy. Sometimes green due to their half-digested food, llama spit can be flung more than 10 feet!
‘WE TOOK OUR LLAMAS TO A LOCAL PUB!’
Three years ago, a visit to a local wool festival changed Amy Armitage-reay’s life. After meeting an alpaca breeder, Amy fell in love with the animals – much to her husband’s confusion. Now the pair run The Woolly Farm in the Lake District and keep 40 llamas and alpacas…
What do you love most about being around the animals?
They are very calm and regal in the way they hold themselves. Being around them makes you slow down and take your time.
Do llamas have a sixth sense?
Llamas are very perceptive. They pick up on people’s characters quickly. They gravitate towards children and when being led by a child they are calm and gentle, almost as if they know that children are more vulnerable.
Do they have different personalities?
All llamas are different! We call Olywn “The Princess” because she carries herself proudly. Baloo is the only llama who seeks affection from humans, whereas Ghandi likes the ladies – he will jump out of his paddock to see them!
Have you had any naughty moments?
Last year, we took some llamas to a local pub. We put the llamas in a trailer in a field but when we checked on them, they were nowhere to be seen! They’d gone for an adventure and we found them a mile away.
Any top tips for owning llamas?
They are herd animals and always need at least one other llama with them. Single llamas can get very anxious, so you should always try to see the world through their eyes. If you handle them the way they like, they’re super relaxed.
BOOK THE WOOLLY FARM CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE AT THEWOOLLYFARM.COM/CHRISTMAS