“Unicorn” llamas help make the world magical
Sometimes they spit on the ones that care for them. But llamas are well worth having, llama owner Deb Logan said.
“It has a bit of magic to it,” she said. “It’s like being surrounded by unicorns.”
Logan runs Swan Song Farm, a branch of the Southeast Llama Rescue (SELR). This group helps find new homes for llamas.
Long-necked and graceful, llamas originally come from South America.
They are herd animals that always need a friend. In person, they’re friendly, attentive and have soft fur.
Llamas and alpacas are visually striking. They sport handsome mullets, dramatic eyelashes and no hooves.
While horses and cows tend to kick when feeling stressed, llamas spit to establish their personal space.
“Spit washes off,” Logan said. “Horses or donkeys kick.”
Logan didn’t set off to be a full-time llama enthusiast.
First, her sister got a llama, Logan said.
“Oh, that’s so cool,” she recalled saying.
Then she bought a pair. Then a friend offered her a baby llama in need of a home. Then the llamas just kept on coming.
“You know how that stuff goes,” she said.
Finding a better property for the llamas was a key reason why she moved back to Gilmer County.
Right now, Swan Song Farm cares for eight llamas and four alpacas.
Today, Logan has been running Swan Song Farm as a llama sanctuary for 22 years.
“They’re strongly herd oriented. They’re very stoic, but they internalize a lot,” she said.
Many of these animals are waiting for someone to adopt them into a more permanent home.
Some of the animals are rescues from bad situations. Others are from keepers who no longer can care for them.
“You’d be surprised how many llamas are just scattered out there,” Logan said.
Those interested in adopting llamas can go to southeastllamarescue.org and fill out a form to apply. Staff will process their request and see if they can take care of one. Then, adopters pay an adoption fee.
“Our minimum adoption is two,” Logan said.
In Georgia’s climate, llamas need extensive care. Common deer parasites can kill them, and they don’t enjoy Georgia’s summer heat.
“These guys need a shot every month,” Logan said.
But their wool can be made into beautiful felt and fabric, they can help guard other herd animals and their friendly personalities can be delightful.
“They are very alert,” she said.
To own a llama brings you into the surprisingly close-knit fellowship of llama owners nationwide.
In her time as a llama owner, Logan has helped after animal surrenders have left a few, dozens or even hundreds of llamas without a home.
Like their animals, the llama community has learned the value of sticking together.
“If you’re interested, there’s people to teach you,” Logan said.