Caledonia Argus

New at 4-H: The Llama Project

Posted: 2/25/03

Llamasñ theyíre gentle, good with kids, and contrary to popular belief, do not spit profusely. Perfect traits for the animal that is the focus of the new 4-H program, The Llama Project.

Begun in January, the five-member group is led by Steve Zieke and Beth Dolder-Zieke. The proud owners of two llamas, the Ziekes are camel connoisseurs in their own right, and it is the animalís idiosyncrasies that theyíve noticed while caring for the animals, its quirks and its nuances, that make the llama an interesting study for area youth.

ìThey are graceful and beautiful animals,î Dolder-Zieke said. ìI love watching them communicate with each otherñ they make humming sounds and use body postures and ear positions to communicate. Llamas have a calming effect on people and are often taken into nursing homes and schools.î

ìLlamas are cool because they are smart and versatile,î she added. ìIf you show a llama how to do something four times, it will learn.î

Around people, she noted, llamas are like polite houseguests, not fussy eaters and needing only minimal fencing. So docile are llamas that it requires little effort to load them into the back of a mini-van in order to transport them from place to place. Kids in the group, she added, have been fascinated with the animal, and the ongoing project exposes them to all the unique characteristics llamas possess.

The group has thus far met twice, and in early February, guest speaker Lynda Carothers demonstrated different uses for llama wool, and the group made felted bars of soap using dyed strands of the wool.

The group is hoping to hold a presentation at the Houston County Fair in 2003, and tentatively planned for the event is a costume parade, in which the kids will dress up their llamas and march them about the fairgrounds, as well as a llama obstacle course, in which fairgoers will be able to lead a llama through the course. Information displays and crafts made from llama wool will also be included.

Those interested in joining The Llama Project can contact 4-H Program Coordinator Rebecca Price at 725-5807.

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