Riverbanks Farm
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| Scientific Name: Lama Glama |
| Living In Paradise: |
| Llamas are the camels of the New World. They are found in the grassy plains and mountain slopes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina in South America. A full-grown male llama measures about 4-5 feet at the shoulder and reaches 6 feet at the top of the head. The hair varies in color from brown to black to white. |
| Camels Without Humps: |
| Although more slender in build and lacking the distinguishing hump, the llama's close link with the camel is unmistakable. The resemblance can be seen in its head, long neck and feet. The feet are two-toed and padded with a tough, leathery sole. These pads help them get a good foothold on slippery or rocky ground. |
| It's All Relative: |
| The llama has three close relatives in South America: the alpaca, guanaco and vicuna. The llama is the strongest and largest of the four. The alpaca is more sheep-like in appearance. Its fleece nearly reaches the ground. The guanaco reaches about 3 and a half feet at the shoulder and has been described as being more goat- or antelope-like in its appearance. The vicuna is the most prized and rare. It was so highly prized for its luxurious coat that the Incas prescribed death to anyone who harmed one. |
| Truly Man's Best Friend: |
| The llama was life to the Incas of South America. Its meat fed them, its wool kept them warm, its hide covered their feet and its fat was used to make candles and give them light. Its hair was twisted into ropes and its bones made into tools. Even droppings were not wasted. Llama droppings were dried and used for fuel to warm their bodies. Llamas even carried the Incas' heavy bundles. |
| Llama-Guardian of Sheep: |
| Today, llamas are of decreasing importance to man. Planes, trains and automobiles make the transportation of goods easier and faster. Wool production from sheep is more economical. Ranchers in North America, however, have discovered a new job and importance for llamas - "sheep llama." Marauding of coyotes seeking an easy meal are having difficulty getting past the newest guards - the llama. Apparently canids bring out the "wild side" in the domesticated llama. Coyotes and dogs account for 80 percent of sheep lost to predators. Rather than trying to kill the predators, ranchers have turned to protecting the sheep. Llamas will lead the sheep to shelter and guard them from danger. They will sound an alarm call and then actually charge the predator to chase it away. With this new guard on duty, ranchers have noticed a marked decrease in sheep losses. Come visit this champion of sheep at Riverbanks Farm in Riverbanks Zoo. |
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