The llama family at Fauna - Larry, Laura, Lucy, Lulu, and Lilly

by Gloria Grow
September 2001 newsletter

This lovely family of llamas, mother Laura, father Larry, and daughters Lucy, Lulu, and Lilly have been with us for quite a few years now.

Larry is very large and all white except for a big black circle on his cheek. Brown and beige, Laura is actually a guanaco (a wild llama). The tips of her ears are gone because of frostbite which she suffered before coming to live with us. Laura and Larry's daughters all look just like their dad, all white, and so it can be a little hard to tell everyone apart in the pasture when looking them over quickly.

This is a lovely family group who spend their days eating, rolling in the sand, laying flat out in the sunshine in the early mornings, or chasing the dogs around.

Llamas are very quiet and don't cause any problems at all. Even when the ice storm (in 1998) broke the fencing in their pasture and they could have just walked out, they didn't. If someone leaves the gate to their pasture open, they may come out but will follow you right back in.

Llamas are just an amazing animal. Over all, they just mind their own business and seem to be content with one another.

Laura is very curious about new people, often running up to the fence to see who is there and what's up. She threatens to spit, making some very strange head movements and gurgling noises, but she hasn't actually spit at anyone in a very long time although she does like to scare people.

Laura — photo by Annie Guilbault

Laura is very pretty and so are her daughters. Larry too is quite handsome. They are a lovely, laid back family. If you ever get the chance to visit Fauna, this llama family will likely be right there to greet you.