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Llamas are social animals that prefer living in groups.
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Wanna Llama?A poem by Ogden Nash begins: "the one-l lama, he's a priest, the two-l llama, he's a beast." But to those who love llamas, which are cousins to the old world camel, these odd-looking animals are far from beastly. In fact, llama fans are often as passionate about their animals as dog lovers are about dogs. Just what about llamas makes their owners cherish them so much?
Liz Marino and her husband Tom are firm believers in the "back to the land" movement that began in the 1960s, and live on a Massachusetts farm where they have been raising llamas for nearly two decades. They now have a large herd of around 60 of the wooly animals, which they treat like family pets. Here Liz explains exactly why llamas are perfect animals for domestication and family life:
- Good with kids. According to Marino, llamas will move out of your way rather than towards you. Since She and Tom have four children, she likes the idea that the animals are rarely aggressive.
- Beautiful fiber. Llamas also produce a fine wool that is popular with weavers and other craftsman. By producing this beautiful and sought-after fiber, llamas can be profitable animals to own.
- Useful and loveable. Aside from fiber production, llamas are also good as pack animals or to perform tasks like pulling carts. But in Marino's mind, their most important function is as fun, gentle and loveable pets for the whole family. For her, it's an honor to create an environment where 60 animals can live very comfortably and without a lot of strife.
- Social animals. Marino claims that llamas don't do too well on their own. They're social animals that prefer to be in herds, so if you're looking to buy a llama as a pet, you should buy at least two. You might even be so happy with your new pets that you decide to get a whole herd, just like the Marinos have!
For more information about llamas, check out the following organizations and websites:
Ivory Pond Farm Llamas
www.ivorypondllamas.com
Llama Association of North America
www.llamainfo.org
Ellamas
ellamas.com
Llama Web
www.llamaweb.com
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