Health & Fitness
Student Journalist Finds Llamas Fascinating
A Campbell Middle School student journalist answers some common questions about llamas and dispels some myths in the process.
As part of her Citizen Schools apprenticeship, this Campbell Middle School 8th grader took a light-hearted but informative look at llamas.
Facts About Llamas
by Julie
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Llamas are domesticated pack animals related to camels. They are valued for their soft, wooly fleece. They can carry about 50 to 75 pounds and travel 20 miles in a day. If a llama is overburdened, it will refuse to move. They can eat different plants and need little water. Llamas spit, but usually only at other llamas and nearly always over food. Most people think all llamas spit at people, which is an impression you get from a visit to a petting zoo. A petting zoo isn't a good environment for a llama because llamas are herd animals. If you have only one llama, it will get lonely. If it doesn’t see other llamas, it will start to think that people are llamas and spit at them.
Q: What is the difference between llamas and alpacas?
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A: Llamas are about twice the size of alpacas. Llamas have a coarse outer coat and a soft inner coat. Alpacas have a soft, fine coat. Llamas produce less fluff than alpacas, even though they’re bigger than alpacas because alpacas were bred for their fluff, while llamas were bred for carrying heavy loads.
Q: What do llamas eat?
A: Llamas eat alfalfa, brome grass, and corn silage.
Q: Where do llamas live?
A: Llamas live wild in South America, mainly in Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia.
Q: Can you train llamas?
A: Llamas can be easily trained.
Q: How long do llamas live?
A: Llamas live from 15-20 years.
Q: Is it expensive to have a llama?
A: No. Llamas eat less than sheep and rarely need veterinary care.
