The Llama Chase in Arizona
On Thursday, two llamas escaped from a local petting zoo in a suburb outside of Phoenix. Watch as the mama and her baby elude capture from local law enforcement:
Petting Zoos or Nightmares?
These llamas escaped from a local petting zoo in Sun City, Arizona. However, information regarding where the llamas came from is hard to come by. Petting zoos have a history of abuse and mistreatment. PETA has cited various accounts of animals dying while on the road, having not received adequate nourishment or veterinary care. Petting zoos have to be licensed, but their quality is poorly regulated.
Plus, there is always the question of what happens to animals after their time at the petting zoo. While some are luckily able to end their days in animal sanctuaries, others face worse fates. Matilda, a pig from a petting zoo in Maybury State Park, was almost sent to slaughter until an employee called SASHA Farm and had her rescued.
There is little information on what fate llamas face at the end of their tour, but llama meat is legal in the United States and sold across the country.
Llama Chase Entertains the Nation
These two llamas that eluded capture caught the entire nation’s attention. Their chase played on America’s news networks, and GIFs of their escape from police officers popped up everywhere. But why did we find this so fascinating?
Humans like to watch animals (our obsession with cat videos proves this). But even in their search for freedom, this llama chase was nothing but another source of entertainment. Celebrities commented on the escape, and the Arizona Cardinals drafted them to their football team. But did anybody stop to wonder what they were escaping from?
Sure, it would be easy to assume that the chase was like a game to the llamas. However, the fact is we do not know. Will these llamas continue to face a life of petting zoos, with little room to roam? Or could they be sent for slaughter? The fact that nobody is asking these questions only adds to the larger problem with animal welfare: if we cannot see them, then we do not care about them.
A Brief History of the Llama
Llamas are one of the oldest domesticated animals on Earth, dating back over 6,000 years. They are primarily used in South American countries like Chile and Peru. Like camels, they are generally used as pack animals, able to go long distances with little food and water, and they can carry one-third of their weight. Llamas are also excellent guard animals, often used to protect sheep. By nature, they are gentle creatures, but can spit when angry. Llamas need companionship; therefore, they do not like being alone.
Did you watch the llama chase? What did you think of the news coverage? Let us know in the comments!
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