Catch Me If You Can

Page 3

One Llama Is Interesting, Two Are a Herd

Single animal rescues are different from multiple animal rescues. Multiple llamas already have the comfort and companionship of their own herd. Introducing a new llama is usually viewed as a curiosity or possibly a breeding partner. During one rescue experience of three intact males living on vast acreage, we erected a funnel area leading into a smaller catch/containment area. We brought in a single llama on the other side of the containment area. To access the new llama, these three llamas would have to enter the funneling area and end up in the catch pen. Feeling stronger in a herd group, it is something they all did without hesitation. While they were checking out the new llama, we quickly closed the access and had them confined in the catch pen for trailer loading.

It was discovered during two other rescue outings involving single llamas that to introduce only one new llama was not enough. Each of these single llamas (in one case a gelding and in the other case a pregnant female) lived alone on a large amount of acreage. Each llama happened to be halter and lead trained and also liked grain. Though in each case, the llama came closer to look at the new llama, they refused to be lured into a catch pen area to interact with that llama. In both instances, however, they responded when two new llamas were introduced. In the one case, the gelding was overcome with curiosity about the two llamas and dropped all caution to come close enough to be physically restrained with a quick neck hug. In the second situation, the female, who had shown a distant interest in a single llama, now followed the new "herd of two" over a considerable distance and into a containment area where she was caught and haltered.

Every rescue is unique

No matter how well planned, we often find Murphy's Law comes into play. Be prepared and learn to expect the unexpected, remain flexible, and do not be afraid to improvise. Something that worked in one rescue may not be as effective in another. Flexibility and creativity are two of the most critical tools for any rescue situation. Do not place any rescue catching effort on a timetable. While some move smoothly from start to finish, others might require reorganization of the initial strategy or even a time-out period. Remaining calm and relaxed in oneself as well as amidst whatever might happen will make the entire journey much less stressful for all.

Previous page ....1  2  3

Return to top of page