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A group of young Roseland Llamas |
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are members of the Lama (with one `l') or 'Camelid' family. Llamas have been South America's best kept secret for 3000 years! Until now... In Peru, from the times of the great Incas, llamas have been treasured as "total providers..." Their luxurious fibre would be knitted into garments and rugs which would be carried to market on the llamas backs. At the market the llamas would sit patiently and, goods sold, might then give their owners a ride home! Home could easily be a tent made from llama skins. Wearing llama garments, sitting on llama rugs, tribes people would cook their food (only rarely being llama meat) on fires fuelled by dried llama dung... Festivals & holidays would be dressing up time for the llamas as well as for the local population. Llamas would be important participants in parades, adorned with colourful decorations made from their wool. Llamas are also found in Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. They truly have been South America's best kept secret for several millenia. It is hard to believe that in the 20th Century (as it was), such a useful and interesting animal could be so little known and much misunderstood outside of the region that had elevated it to the status of the prized animal of the Incas. Indeed it was not until the end of the last century that a few specimens were imported into UK zoos and even then the many uses and value of llamas was completely missed, but for the few gelding males that were taught to pull carts to give rides for zoo visitors. And it was not until the mid- to late
1980's that more serious interest was awakened when a few innovative
individuals began to look for opportunities to diversify from
traditional farm livestock. |
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Roseland
Llamas began to build their herd during this period with
stock mostly imported from other countries, and have steadily built up
the herd to its present size and standard.
With a wealth of experience and choice of superb bloodlines Roseland are keen to ensure new owners start with the right llamas for their particular needs or interest: be it two or three llamas as field pets, companions for horses, livestock guardians etc; or a larger group for trekking, fibre production etc; or a starter herd for farm diversification and breeding for profit.
The Roseland herd is still managed single-handed by Paul
Rose, a tribute to the ease of handling, hardiness and nature of
llamas. |
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"The whole of this flock, even to a lamb five months old,
are broken to halter and are very docile and tractable; their
countenances exhibit marked expressions of intelligence, the eyes are
large and bright, and their sight is keen."
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