Llama

Imagine a super fluffy, big sheep with a long neck and a funny face. That's a llama! Llamas are related to camels but don't have humps. They are very friendly and curious animals that live in the Andes Mountains of South America. They have thick, woolly coats that keep them warm in the cold mountains. Their big, soft eyes and long eyelashes make them look like they're always surprised!

Llamas are amazing pack animals. This means they can carry heavy loads, like backpacks, on their backs! For hundreds of years, people have used llamas to carry things up and down steep mountain paths. They are much stronger than they look. A llama can carry about 25% of its own body weight. That's like a kid carrying a whole school bus on their back!

Llamas are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Their favorite foods are grass, hay, and other leafy greens. They have special stomachs that help them get all the energy they need from these simple foods. When they eat, they chew their food and then swallow it, but sometimes they bring it back up to chew again, like a cow. It's called rumination!

Sometimes, llamas spit when they are annoyed or feel threatened. It's usually not a big deal, but it can be a bit smelly! They spit to tell other llamas to back off or to show they are unhappy. Don't worry, they usually don't spit at people unless they feel really scared or bothered. They are usually very gentle animals.