A bizarre llama craze has broken out in New England as the animals have become popular for their emotional support, companionship and for starring in adorable photos.
The Big E, a regional fair in New England, hosts annual llama events at their exhibit that have drawn large crowds over the years.
Llama participation in state fair competitions has increased 10 percent since last year and the llama market is on the rise, experts say.
The range of llama events includes costume competitions, fleece judging and many llama shows. One event challenges llamas to remain calm during a test that involves opening an umbrella, sudden noises and unexpected movements.
Llama sales are also negotiated at the fair, with the average male costing about $500, while a breeding female can cost between $7,000 and $15,000. For many, this is a small price to pay for all that a llama has to offer.
The Big E, a regional fair in New England, hosts annual llama events at their exhibit that have drawn crowds over the years
A bizarre llama craze has broken out in New England as the animals have become popular for emotional support, companionship and to star in adorable photos
Llama participation in state fair competitions has increased 10 percent each year and the llama market is on the rise, according to experts
According to experts, North American llamas make better pets than their South American relatives. They can be quiet, docile and affectionate, they are easy to train and their fibers are highly regarded by knitters.
Compared to llamas from South America, New England llamas are more commonly domesticated. They can be hiking partners, therapy animals, models for photo shoots, friendly guardians for other livestock and even golf caddies.
Although the animal is native to the Andes, they are also adapted to the rocky terrain and cool climate of New England, where they can live on small farms and be harassed by their owners.
Carol Millard, llama show superintendent at The Big E, shared The New York Times that people who moved to rural areas during the pandemic found llamas to be charismatic and helpful additions to their small farms.
The pandemic pulled the llama market out of the long lull it entered after the Great Recession of 2008, and now the animal’s popularity is skyrocketing, mirrored by The Big E’s llama rise.
The Big E covers each of the six New England states and offers visitors plenty of activities, food stalls, attractions and of course llama events. The fair started in 1916 as a dairy show and has since transformed into a 17-day spectacle.
Due to the popularity of the event, which featured viral DJ Zedd as one of their main stage performers, the prize money for the success of a llama show is considered large.
Compared to llamas from South America, New England llamas are more domesticated. They can be hiking partners, therapy animals, models for photo shoots, friendly guardians for other livestock and even golf caddies
Although the animal is native to the Andes, they are also adapted to the rocky terrain and cool climate of New England, where they can live in small farms and be harassed by their owners.
The average male costs about $500, while a breeding female can cost between $7,000 and $15,000. For many, this is a small price to pay for all that a llama has to offer
Top winners at llama competitions can take home up to $101, which barely covers the costs of raising and stage-ready llamas, but the shows are great for demonstrating how good a farm’s breeding program is
The top winners can take home up to $101, which barely covers the costs of raising and stage-ready llamas, but the shows are great for demonstrating how good a farm’s breeding program is.
The llama, not to be confused with the camel or alpaca, can grow up to six feet tall and usually weighs between 180 and 450 pounds.
The well-behaved animals do not bite, but they do spit when angry.
Llamas are vegetarians and have a very efficient digestive system – a factor that contributes to their longevity, which can be as long as 30 years.
Llama fiber is highly regarded because it is soft and light, yet warm, while the coarse outer coat is ideal for rugs and ropes.
