National Llama Day - December 9th | Alachua County Library District

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December 9th is National Llama Day!

Llamas are a large pack animal that is native to South America and especially the high Andes Mountains. While in the United States Llamas are often found in petting zoos because of their gentle natures and super soft fur, Llamas are actually great pack and guard animals.

Here are some awesome facts about lovely Llamas:

Llamas are domesticated animals and there is no such thing as a "wild llama." Llamas were bred and domesticated by the people of South America from their wild animal relatives; Guanacos and Vicuñas.
Llamas are great pack animals and can carry from 50 to 75 pounds for up to 20 miles in a single day.
Llamas are also fantastic guard animals and many farmers use llamas to guard flocks of smaller livestock such as sheep. Llamas will kick and scare off coyotes and wild dogs and they'll also make loud whining sounds to warn humans of intruders.
Because they are gentle, easy to train, and very smart, Llamas also make wonderful therapy animals! Check out the video from National Geographic below to see them in action!

To read and learn more about Llamas and their animal cousins, make sure you check out these great, non-fiction reads: