Domestic llama

The domestic llama is primarily used for carrying loads. For this purpose, castrated males are predominantly used; they can cover 20 km a day whilst carrying loads of between 25 and 35 kg. Nowadays, however, the domestic llama has largely been replaced as a pack animal by modern means of transport. In areas that are difficult to access, however, the use of domestic llamas is still common.

Camelids spit out liquid stomach contents to ward off intrusive conspecifics and assert their place in the hierarchy. In doing so, they demonstrate astonishing accuracy. People are rarely spat on by Domestic llamas and Alpacas. The greenish ‘spit’ is foul-smelling but harmless.

From 1965 to 1970, the children at Zurich Children’s Hospital were regularly visited by a Domestic llama from Zoo Zurich. The llama was transported to the hospital by public tram.