Llamas

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Here they are the stars both of our packing business Utah Valley Llamas, but also LlamaFest, an annual event honoring not only the llamas but also the gifts of the culture from which they come.  One of our most popular festivals, it features South American music, dance and cuisine, while kids take the llamas through obstacle courses, races and rides.

Now, why does an Indian based spiritual organization have a herd of llamas?

Unlike the peacocks and the cows, llamas have nothing to do with Indian religion or culture. They originate from the high Andes of South America. Yet since 1985 the temple has financially benefitted from raising, selling, and leasing llamas. During summer months, Boys Scout troups and families take the llamas on packing trips to Yellowstone, Wind River, Idaho, as well as the local High Unitas. Since 1985, the public has enjoyed attending Llama Fest, hosted at the Krishna Temple. Llama Fest was origianlly conceived as a 'tongue in cheek" spoof event which exploded in popularity.

Physical Facts

Life Span: About 15-25 years
Height: 40-45" at the shoulder, 5.5 to 6' at the head
Weight: 280-500 Pounds
Average Gestation: 350 days
Birth: A single baby (cria) is normally delivered without assistance from a standing mother during morning hours. In the High Plains of the Andes every night of the year, the temperature drops below freezing. Births in the morning hours allow the newborn to dry before nightfall.
Babies: Birth weight is 25-35 pounds. Babies are normally nursing within
90 minutes. They are weaned at about 6 months.
Reproduction: Females are first bred at 20-24 months of age. Llamas do not have a heat cycle,
but are induced ovulators. Thus they can be bred at any time of the year.
Color: Wool ranges from white to black, with shades of grey, beige, brown, red,
and roan in between. It may be solid, spotted, or marked in a variety of patterns.
Health: Because llamas and their ancestors are suited to the harsh environment of their
Andean homeland, North American owners will find them remarkably hardy, healthy,
easy to care for, and relatively disease free.

From an article in the Provo Daily Herald, 2004

Not only at Llama Fest, but throughout the year, guests are attracted to visit the temple property because of the animals, as explained in this article by Laurel Brady from the Daily Herald. "Utah County may not have its own zoo, but unusual animal experiences can still be had, and at an unusually low cost. About 40 llamas live on 15 land-scaped acres adjoining the Krishna Temple one mile south of Spanish Fork. Caretaker Vai Warden says the llamas are extremely calm, gentle and non-aggressive. They don't bite, kick, or spit. She says visitors are welcome for a donation of $2.00 per child, which includes a guided tour, animal handling, races, groomig and feeding.

In addition to seeing the llamas, tours can also include the temple and a visit with peacocks, five parrots, and cows, also on the premises. Vai is proud of the animals, explaining that llamas take care of themselves. They don't need humans, but they are accommodating enough to allow themselves to be haltered and worked. She says the animals are available for rental as pack animals for family or group camping trips or for parties and special events. They can carry up to 60 lbs apiece for short journeys, are easy to control and uncomplicated. Most renters can pick up everything they need to know about llamas in a half-hour orientation session. Since they eat whatever is available, she says food for the llamas does not usually have to be packed in. Llamas have a life expectancy of 20-25 years.

Warden characterizes her animals in two groups, pasture poodles which are pretty, woolly darling things, and the macho type, huge, efficient, lanky with short wool. The animals are sheared annually, and their wool is utilized by local hand weavers. Llamas are increasing in popularity locally as pets.

The farm is open during daylight hours in good weather, and visitors call at least 48 hours in advance to set up guided tours. (801) 798-3559