Llamas Live At C.H. Booth Library

By Larissa Lytwyn

Visitors to the C.H. Booth Library were able to check out more than reading, research, and audiovisual materials recently. Two llamas from the Little Llama Farm in Sandy Hook stopped by to mingle with patrons of all ages as part of an ongoing series of children’s programs sponsored by the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library.

“Treat llamas with respect,” said Elsa Kay, educational promoter at the farm, “and they will treat you with respect.” She cautioned against children touching the animals directly on their long, soft face, but instead encouraged them to lightly stroke their thick wool. “Touching their faces will interfere with their ability to use their senses,” Ms Kay explained. “And because in nature llamas are animals of prey, they need to feel that they can sense things at all times.”

According to Ms Kay, llamas originated around the Mississippi River area about ten million years ago. Later, they became the primary pack animals used to cart goods in ancient Incan civilizations. Today, they are still used to access world-renowned sites of interest, including Machu Picchu in Peru. In the United States, llamas have become increasingly popular for a variety of uses — from campers and hikers seeking to lighten their loads to golfers in search of an unusual caddy to mere animal lovers interested in keeping an exotic companion.

In addition, there are several excellent venues for showing llamas, including the long-established Alpaca and Llama Show Association, a national organization that sponsors a variety of shows and youth-centered activities each year. The Pack Llama Association specializes in the showing of pack llamas, in which the animals compete for top recognition according to three levels of course difficulty. The Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association, formed in 1986, exists to define and serve the needs of llamas and their owners. Annual membership is $25; lifetime membership can be granted for $250.

Of course, llamas and alpacas, their slightly smaller counterparts, are also revered for being, as the ancient Incans described, “Camels of the Clouds.” Although many refer to the llama’s luxurious coat as wool, its fibers actually consist of long, soft hair. Llama “wool” is frequently woven into hats, gloves, vests, and boots. When spun, it can be knitted, crocheted, or woven. Natural colors include shades of red, gray, brown, and beige. It can be used alone or blended with silk, sheep wool, cashmere, or similarly constructed materials for effects striking both visually and texturally.

“Llamas weigh between 250 to 450 pounds,” said Ms Kay. “They can live up to 35 years old.” Their diet primarily consists of hay and grains ground from vegetative fiber. Certain native plants, including wilted cherry leaves, mountain laurel, yew, and rhododendron are poisonous to llamas and must be strictly avoided. “In general, llamas cost about as much to feed as a large dog,” she said. Most owners report an annual cost of less than $150.

Ms Kay recommends that a four-foot-high, closely woven or electrified wire, with the exception of barbed wire, can be used to shelter llamas and protect them from coyotes and other predators. She said the creatures are ideal “watch dogs,” with a canny natural intelligence that can sense nearby intruders and alert owners with a high-pitched, horselike whinny. They can travel easily in many kinds of vehicles, from vans and pickup trucks to station wagons.

While the children asked many questions about the llamas’ physical needs and behavioral characteristics, there was one inquiry Ms Kay said she was surprised wasn’t asked. “Do you think llamas spit?” she asked the audience of approximately 100 children and their families. An uncertain chorus of murmurs rose to laughter when Ms Kay grinned and answered the question herself. “They sure do!” she said.

The Little Llama Farm, dedicated to educational visits, also hosts parties. For more information, contact Elsa Kay or Joe Petitti at 364-1233.