The llama is a native of Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and the mountains and plains of some other South American countries. It is the largest member of the camel family in South America, even though it has no hump. It is difficult for a stranger to easily tell the difference between llamas and gentle, 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, and their necks, heads and legs are a buff or gray color. But there are several variations; some are 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. 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 valuable 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 a hundred pounds or more and can travel fifteen to twenty 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.
However, llamas can be very stubborn. 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. Some 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? “Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).
ML-02/06/2011