Llama

Habitat
Originally from South America, llamas are now domesticated in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Age
10-20 years

Weight
130-155 kg

Height
120 cm

Gestation Period
10-12 months

Number of Offspring
1 cria (foal)

Conservation Status
Not threatened

Did you know…

• Llamas are known for spitting when they feel threatened, but it’s actually not spit but regurgitated stomach contents. If you happen to be hit by it, you can also smell it.
• Llamas are ruminants like cows, but they have only three stomach compartments: the rumen, omasum, and abomasum. Cows have a fourth stomach compartment called the reticulum.
• Llamas live in herds with one male (called a “stud”) and his females. The male is territorial and will chase away other males. Therefore, there is only one mature male allowed in Knuthenborg. When his offspring reach maturity, he will try to drive them away from the herd.
• A llama can carry about one-tenth of its own body weight. If it is loaded with more than it can bear, it is likely to lie down and refuse to move.
• Llamas were domesticated and used as pack animals in Peru 4,000-5,000 years ago.
• The llama is the domesticated form of the wild guanaco. Llamas are still used in South America as beasts of burden and for transportation.
• Llamas belong to the camel family, along with vicuñas, alpacas, and of course, camels. However, the camel is the only one with humps.

Meet the llamas at Bandholmmarken.