The llama is the largest member of the camel family in South America, though it has no hump, and is a native of Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and the mountains and plains of some other South American countries. It is difficult for a stranger to easily tell the difference between llamas and gentler but smaller alpacas and guanacos.
These nimble animals measure about four feet high at the shoulders and have bodies about four or five feet long. Their backs, sides and tails are usually covered with long dark-brown hair, nicely set off with necks, heads and legs of a buff or gray color. But there are several variations; some are an attractive light tan all over and others are mostly black. They have large, alert ears, and their pretty, dark eyes are shaded with long eyelashes. The Creator has provided them with thick, long hair to keep them warm in the chilly mountains.
Because they are exceptionally clean and their feet are well-padded, some llamas become real favorites with an owner’s family. Sometimes they are allowed to come inside the house to be petted, and baby llamas are picked up and cuddled like a baby and given a sweet treat. Incidentally, their mouths have a smiling appearance which makes them seem very good natured.
Llamas are most useful as pack animals, but they are useful to their owners in other ways too. They can be sheared like sheep for their woolly fur, which is prized because it contains no oil and has a sweet smell even after being spun into yarn. Sometimes their meat is used for food. As pack animals they can carry loads of 100 pounds or more and can travel 15 to 20 miles a day. They are particularly valued over high, dry mountain trails, because, like a camel, they can get along without water for four or five days and are sure-footed with their padded hoofs.
But llamas can be very stubborn, and owners have learned that it only makes matters worse to punish them when they lie down and refuse to get up until some of the load is taken off or refuse to move at all because they are tired. They also set their own walking pace on the trails and will not increase their speed even if the drivers try to make them go faster. But aside from these stubborn streaks, they are valuable and lovable animals.
The Bible verse at the beginning refers to the Lord’s goodness to every living thing and reminds us that every person, young or old, depends on His goodness and care. Have you followed the instruction of this verse, “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever” (1 Chronicles 16:3434O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34))?
ML-05/23/1999