Llamas

Image by Bichelle at Spot On Art & Photography

Llamas (Lama glama)

Llamas were domesticated in the Andean Highlands of Peru 4,000–5,000 years ago, and are among the oldest domestic animals in the world. They are extremely intelligent, very beautiful, and graceful, carrying themselves with elegance. Their two-toed foot with its leathery bottom pad gives them great sure-footedness. Occasionally they spit to ward off a threat, so be nice to them.

Llama, a domesticated mammal of the camel family. It is used as a beast of burden in the Andes of South America. The llama is closely related to the alpaca and looks much like a small, humpless camel. It stands about four feet (1.2m) tall at the shoulder, is five feet (1.5m) in length, and has a neck almost two feet (60cm) long. It has erect ears; a short, bushy tail; and slender legs. The thick, soft hair is white, brown, or black, or a combination of these colors.

Llamas have long been used to carry cargo. The llama can carry about 100 pounds (45kg) for 12 to 15 miles (19 to 24km) a day. Llamas are valued for their meat and for their hide, which is made into leather products such as sandals. Their soft underfur is often combined with alpaca fur, and the yarn is woven into clothing and blankets; the outer hairs are braided into rope.