BC SPCA rescues 8 llamas from South Surrey

The BC SPCA says it rescued eight llamas, including a four-month-old — also known as a cria — from a property in South Surrey.

The society says someone reported the llamas as possibly abandoned to an animal control officer. When animal control visited the site, the llamas reportedly appeared unkept, with no access to shelter, no feed, and only puddles to drink.

“The majority of the llamas were heavily matted, and their toenails were overgrown,” said Eileen Drever with the BC SPCA.

The society says it is now working with a veterinarian to determine the next steps for the animals. 

“Llamas are typically sheared once a year in the spring, but these llamas are extremely matted, which may cause irritation,” said Layla Gilhooly, manager of the BC SPCA’s Surrey community animal centre and Good Shepherd barn.

“This isn’t the normal time to shear llamas given the temperature, but if the vet does recommend it, we will blanket them for the winter. Currently, they are still too fearful for us to safely be able to groom them,” she added.

All eight will be available for adoption as early as next week, the BC SPCA says, to a home that can keep up with regular care.

Llamas, Gilhooly says, can happily coexist with other animals in pastures.