Buzz
Earlier today, two llamas made a daring escape from a mobile petting zoo, sparking a wild pursuit by authorities in Sun City, Arizona. The chase, which ranged from fast-paced to leisurely, lasted almost an hour. Here are a few interesting tidbits about these fascinating animals.
1. According to folklore, the Spanish explorers, unfamiliar with llamas, repeatedly asked what the animals were called (“¿Cómo se llama?”). The Incans, thinking the question referred to the animal’s name, adopted the term ‘llama’. However, as reported by the BBC, this version of the story isn’t entirely accurate. The word 'llama' existed in Quechuan long before the Spanish arrived, and it was adopted into many languages along with other Quechuan terms like condor and puma.
2. Llamas are indigenous to the Andes Mountains of South America. They were introduced to the United States in the late 1800s for exhibition in zoos. In the early 1900s, media mogul William Randolph Hearst imported 12 llamas to his private zoo at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.
3. Llamas are pack animals capable of carrying between 50 and 75 pounds over distances of up to 20 miles. However, if they are overloaded, they will simply refuse to move. As noted by National Geographic, an overburdened llama might “lie down on the ground and ... may spit, hiss, or even kick at their owners until the load is reduced.”
4. According to the Pittsburgh Zoo, when a llama has a problem with another, it will stick out its tongue to show its disapproval. Additionally, llamas are known to spit at other llamas when upset.
5. Llama pregnancies last about 350 days. Their young are called crias, and typically, a mother will have only one cria at a time. Twin llamas are a rare occurrence.
6. Llama dung is not only an excellent fuel source, but also serves as a rich fertilizer. It is believed that it may have played a role in helping the Incans cultivate corn and thrive in the Andes.
7. Llamas can run as fast as 35mph. Let’s hope no more escape in the future!
