Smart and highly sociable animals, these animals that are closely related to camels (but without the hump) are unique and interesting creatures. With their big eyes and long eyelashes, llamas are rather adorable – and also a bit feisty!
So get ready to enjoy and celebrate these lively animals on their special day: National Llama Day.
Learn About Llamas
Though they were likely originally dwellers of both North and South America, llamas are believed to have gone extinct in North America during the last ice age, leaving them only in South America.
A cousin to alpacas, llamas were domesticated by humans around 4,000 or even 5,000 years ago, starting in Peru and the Andes mountains. Able to navigate tricky trails, llamas were often used as pack animals in these mountainous areas to carry loads of goods, while their fur was used to make textiles and fabrics.
In modern times, llamas are also often kept domestically on farms, sometimes as guard animals for other flocks such as sheep or even alpacas.
Since they can live to be an average of 20 years, or even up to 30 years, owning a llama is a long-term commitment. And they love to live in herds, so it’s best to never have only one llama but at least two, or even several.
How to Celebrate National Llama Day
Implement these and other fun ideas for a no-drama-llama time on National Llama Day:
Visit a Llama Farm
Celebrate National Llama Day in the presence of the guest of honor by visiting a local llama farm, or perhaps see some llamas at a local zoo or petting zoo.
Llamas that are accustomed to humans are typically friendly and like to be petted on the front of the neck or top of the head. But be careful not to walk behind them as they have a tendency to kick!
Read Books Featuring Llamas
One great way to get the kids involved with National Llama Day might be for parents and teachers to read their kids some books where these animals are the main characters.
From Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino to Llama, Llama, Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, there are some amazing books to be found at the library or a locally owned bookstore.
History of National Llama Day
While the specifics are unclear, some sources show that llamas have been celebrated for many decades – perhaps even since the 1930s.
In addition, rumors show that the event may have started in Canada as a way to show appreciation for these delightfully fluffy and fuzzy animals.
Others indicate that National Llama Day was first celebrated in 2015. But no matter how it began, it’s clear that these delightfully furry creatures absolutely deserve to be celebrated!