Lamas are members of the camelid family and are frequently referred to as camelids.

Lamas (single "l"),  include the llama (double "ll"), alpaca, guanaco and the endangered vicuna.  All are members of the camelid family.  Originating in the Central Plains of North America about 40 million years ago, the lama predecessors migrated to South America around 2.5 million years ago.  The end of the Ice Age (10,000-12,000 years ago) marked the extinction of the camelid in North America.

Feel free to download and print "The Basics of Alpaca & Llama Care" brochure.

If you have questions about owning or caring for a camelid please feel free to check out this list of members who are "Mentors" for the Illinois Lama Association.  Click here for the list of mentors.