All articles tagged with #llamas
Llamas and alpacas are both camelids native to the Americas, with llamas being larger, having coarse hair, and used as pack animals, while alpacas are smaller, with fine, silky wool and bred mainly for textiles. They differ in size, appearance, temperament, and historical use, but are often confused due to their similar appearance.
Beni the llama and Captain Jack the alpaca are part of a therapy animal program at Portland International Airport, designed to alleviate travel anxiety. These animals, from Mountain Peaks Therapy, visit the airport regularly, offering travelers a chance to interact with them, which many find magical and stress-relieving. The program is popular, with travelers often moved to tears by the experience. While therapy animals like these are different from emotional support animals, they are trained and credentialed to interact with the public, providing a unique and joyful experience for many.
Llamas grazing in areas left barren by glacial melt in the Andes have been found to significantly improve soil fertility and increase plant growth. Over a three-year study, llamas helped introduce four new plant species and increased overall plant cover by 57%. Llama poop, rich in nutrients like carbon and nitrogen, acts as a natural fertilizer and contains seeds from plants the animals have grazed on. This practice, which has been carried out by indigenous farmers for centuries, could help mitigate the destructive effects of climate change-induced deglaciation while benefiting the local economy in Peru.
Llamas are gaining popularity in New England as pets, guards, and more. The Eastern States Exposition, the biggest agricultural fair in the Northeast, saw a record number of llamas entered in its competition this year. Llamas are prized for their docile nature, easy trainability, and valuable fiber. They are used as pets, rented out for events, and even serve as guards for livestock. The Northeast has historically been a llama destination, and the market for llamas has been on the rise, with growing numbers of spectators interested in buying them. The Big E fair provides a platform for llama owners to showcase their breeding programs and negotiate sales and stud services.