Pack Life with Fun and Experience ‘Shear’ Joy

The llama is a domesticated South American camelid.  Andean cultures have been using this gentle animal as a meat and pack animal since the Pre-Columbian era.  Llamas are mainly found in Peru and Bolivia and are part of the camel family.

Llamas are social animals and they live with others as a herd.  Females are called hembras and males are called studs or machos in Spanish. A castrated male is called a gelding. In the local Quechua language, the neonates and young up to six months are called crias and the juveniles are called tuis.

I had the opportunity to go to Peru to visit my sister when she was posted in Lima.  On a trip to Cuzco located in the Peruvian Andes we saw many Quechua people with their llamas.  I have also seen a llama or two on a farm in Southern Alberta here in Canada.  

Llamas are well suited to harsh environments.  They are quite sure-footed and can easily navigate the rocky terrain at high altitudes.  Llamas are smart and easy to train. Llamas are raised commercially in the United States today. They are raised for companion animals, shows, wool and fertilizer.  They also serve as livestock guardians.  They can protect sheep, goats and other animals from predators. 

Because of their predictable low-key temperament, llamas are ideally suited to the task of being a companion. Due to their mild manners, cleanliness, and friendly dispositions, they are becoming increasingly popular pets.

Llamas may act aggressively if they are angry. They do not bite because they only have teeth on their bottom jaw and a dental pad on the top jaw but they can spit.  They will often spit to establish pecking order within their herd or to ward off an unwanted suitor.  Their spit is sometimes green, the result of half-digested food.  The spit can be flung ten feet or more but don’t worry, they rarely spit on humans unless they are provoked.  Llamas have been known to spit at the casual passer-by.  The spit is usually dry but it may contain some stomach acid.  It is not dangerous for humans, but it can be annoying if it gets in your eyes or mouth.  

Llama milk has a pleasant and sweet taste. Because it is rich in fat, llama milk is a good choice for making cheese.  The cheese has a nice taste and a pleasant smell.  You can drink llama milk but llama’s milk contains a higher amount of lactose than cow’s milk.  So if you are lactose intolerant don’t try llama milk.

Many people eat llama meat.  Llama is a red meat but the ministry of rural development in Bolivia insists it is healthier than beef.  In a 2013 report they claim, “Llama meat contains a high level of low-fat protein and generates low levels of cholesterol.”  Llama meat can be prepared in a variety of ways.  It can be cooked on a grill, pan-fried, in stews, or eaten as llama jerky called charki.  Two most common llama dishes in Argentina are cazuela de llama y lomo de llama.  In English - llama casserole and llama tenderloin. 

Llamas communicate in a number of ways.  The sound they make the most is a calming, soothing humming sound.  They also grunt, snort and even scream at times when they feel threatened or during the breeding season.

The best way to approach llamas is by being calm.  Keep the herd there for safety.  Be patient and develop a rapport with the individual animals and the herd.  Give the llamas safe treats so they will be encouraged to trust you.  Llamas enjoy a light scratching, petting, or massage on their neck and back.  They are not fond of being hugged or cuddled.

Llamas have long banana-shaped ears.  Pinned back ears indicate that the animal is feeling agitated or threatened.  Perked up ears mean they are happy or curious.

These are the sayings on the bookmark for advice from a Llama.

• Pack Life With Fun

• Have a Gentle Spirit

• Own Your Genius

• Celebrate Your Heritage

• Make People Smile

• Experience Shear Joy

• Spit it Out!

Here are my thoughts about each of the sayings.

• Pack Life With Fun - Llamas are used as pack animals.  Have fun and enjoy the things you do every day.

• Have a Gentle Spirit - Stay calm and show kindness to others.

• Own Your Genius - Everyone is unique and has a hidden genius.  Find yours and share it with others.

• Celebrate Your Heritage - Enjoy the traditions, achievements and beliefs that are part of your history and your life’s journey.

• Make People Smile - Put a smile on your face and people will smile back.

• Experience Shear Joy - Llamas are sheared like sheep to get their wool.  So be happy and experience sheer joy.

• Spit it Out! - Speak up, talk to people, spit it out, and tell your story.  

Have a great day everyone.  Pack life with fun and experience ‘shear’ joy today. 

# living life abundantly   # published author   # travelling tuesdays