Llama

Fun Facts for Kids

• Llamas are popular in the U.S. for pets and companions. They have a gentle temperament and inquisitive character, which make them perfect as a companion or therapy animal. They are used in hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals to give residents some interaction and provide a sensory experience, as a visit from a llama is an emotionally positive exercise for patients and residents. Such therapy can help with healing or simply provide some entertainment and enjoyment.
• Llamas are known for the gentleness of their character and the ease with which they are trained. Often they can learn new tasks after just a few repetitions.
• A llama stretching up very tall with its head held high, flicking its tail rapidly, usually means displeasure. Pregnant females commonly use this behavior to deter an approaching male.
• Fossil footprints in California show that llamas, which are relatives of camels, came originally from North America. It is thought that the animals that went north and crossed over the Bering land bridge later evolved into camels, while those that migrated south evolved into the "llama" family.
• Llamas make a range of sounds, the most common one being a humming noise. Females hum to their crias (offspring). Males orgle during breeding, which is a sound like a gurgle. If two males decide to fight, they will begin screaming at each other.
• Llamas do spit, usually to settle an argument about food or to decide which llama is dominant. A female will spit at a male to make him go away. They do not usually spit at humans unless provoked.