Llamas are interesting in more ways than one. The animals have been delegated the nickname: “camels of South America” because they are in the same family, and have been used as pack animals for centuries. They can carry up to 75 lbs and move up to 20 miles a day (A lot more than any of us). They weigh up to 250 lbs, and measure up to about four feet. The animals are herbivores and recquire little water, so providing for them is easy and cost efficient. Llamas contribute their hide for leather, wool for clothing and other fabric, excrement is dried and used for fuel, and sometimes they are slaughtered for their meat.
The llama was thought to have migrated to South America approximately three million years ago from North America- where they became extinct during the ice age. Legend goes that when Spaniards came to South America they kept asking “Como Se llama?” or what is this called, and that is how the Llama got its name. Llamas were actually imported to the United States for display in the 1800’s although today there are llama farms all over the country.
According to zoos, when a llama has an issue with another llama they will stick out their tongue, and/or spit on the llama. Llamas can actually reach speeds up to 35 mph ( if any of you recall that isn’t quite as fast as greyhounds!) although if they are carrying a lot of weight it will not be that high and the speed can not be maintained for a long time. Female llamas are pregnant for about 35 months, give birth standing up, and very rarely give birth to twins.
Llamas are used as guards in fields from other animals: coyotes, dogs, and foxes. Some llamas are certified therapy animals and visit the elderly! Llamas sometimes make a noise that sounds like starting a car:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/llama/
http://mentalfloss.com/article/61917/7-fast-facts-about-llamas
http://www.theflama.com/10-fascinating-facts-about-llamas-1448529082.html