By T. SCOTT SCHAERRER
schaerrer@du2.byu.edu
For students wanting a unique wildlife experience, llamas may be the answer.
Central Utah's largest llama farm is located just south of Spanish Fork. Chris and Christine Wilson, the farm's owners, maintain about 50 llamas for sale and rent.
Chris Warden said the llamas help him enjoy the great outdoors.
'Basically we discovered all this beautiful outdoor terrain because of the llamas. All you have to do is walk along holding the lead rope and enjoy the walk,' Warden said.
Christine Warden said many people rent llamas as pack animals.
'If you have camping or picnic gear the llama is the ideal companion. Most people love to have a llama with them,' Warden said.
Warden said BYU students have rented llamas to spice up an outdoor date. According to www.llamaweb.com some golfers even use llamas to carry their clubs. The llamas rent for 20 dollars a day or 100 dollars a week and are able to carry up to 100 pounds. They eat natural grasses and do not damage local trails, Warden said.
Since the llamas like to lie down while traveling, they can be transported in trucks, sport utility vehicles or mini-vans.
Besides being hard workers, the llamas make many visitors very happy. Christine Warden said the peaceful demeanor of the llamas transfer to the visitors.
'The llamas are reserved, aloof and majestic, and those qualities in the animal pass on to the individual. If you're upset, come to the llama farm. You'll go away completely calm,' Warden said.
The llama farm hosts daily tours for school groups. Wilde said the farm gets groups on a daily basis during the spring and summer months.
Aaron Wilde, one of the visitors from the Special Olympics, made a new friend at the farm.
'I love the llamas. It's fun to pet, feed and walk them,' Wilde said.
The children learn to groom and care for the llamas and even walk them through an obstacle course.
The farm is preparing for the fifth annual Llama Fest held at the farm. Nearly 3,000 people are expected to attend, along with llamas from across the state. The festivities include South American cuisine, local bands, llama competitions and wool spinning exhibits. The farm is also looking for llama lovers to volunteer for the event.