The BC SPCA has rescued eight llamas, including a four-month-old baby known as a cria, from a property in south Surrey. The llamas were surrendered to the BC SPCA’s care.
“An animal control officer was contacted about llamas being at large and possibly abandoned. When they went to the site and saw their condition, they reached out to us,” says Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholder relations. “The majority of the llamas were heavily matted, and their toenails were overgrown.”
The llamas had no apparent entry to shelter, and the only accessible water was noted to be puddles on the ground. There was no feed visible.
A BC SPCA animal protection officer along with a farm animal hauler transported the llamas to the BC SPCA’s Good Shepherd barn located in Surrey.
“We are working with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action in terms of shearing the llamas,” says Layla Gilhooly, manager of the BC SPCA’s Surrey community animal centre and Good Shepherd barn. “Llamas are typically sheared once a year in the spring, but these llamas are extremely matted, which may cause irritation.”
Gilhooly adds, “This isn’t the normal time to shear llamas given the temperature, but if the vet does recommend it, we will blanket them for the winter. Currently, they are still too fearful for us to safely be able to groom them.”
The llamas may be available for adoption as early as next week. “Llamas are social animals and live in herds. They do not do well on their own,” says Gilhooly. “They can happily coexist in pastures with goats, sheep, donkeys, horses and other animals.”
Gilhooly adds, “Regular llama care includes brushing, shearing at least once per year, checking their teeth, vaccinations, toenail trimming and providing fresh water, good quality grass hay and a clean shelter.”