Gypsy and the 60 other llamas on the ranch are among more than 12,000 llamas now living in North America About 100 years ago people began exporting them to the United States from their native land of South America Today there are llamas in every state and in Canada They can be seen in zoos and are raised as pets for their wool and to carry gear for hikers People like llamas because they are gentle and good-natured easy to care for and with training can become friendly and affectionate From the time of her birth Gypsy’s owners handled her regularly so that even though she lived with other llamas she would become used to being around people too 5
LLAMAS IN SOUTH AMERICA In the Andes the mountain range that borders most of the west coast of South America people have been raising llamas for more than 4,000 years Like sheep horses or cattle llamas are domestic animals Most llamas in South America today are found in Peru and their pictures appear on Peruvian coins handicrafts and the national coat of arms Hundreds of years ago llamas played an important role in the rise and expansion of the ancient Incan Empire centered in Peru They were the only means of transportation in a part of the world that did not have horses or donkeys and they were also a primary source of food fuel and clothing 6
For the descendants of the Incas who still live in South America llamas remain a valuable resource They are used in the Andes mountains to transport goods in places where cars and trucks cannot go Also their wool is used to make warm sweaters and blankets 7
