Where do llamas come from?

Llamas originated in the Andes Mountains of South America.  They were first imported to the United States by zoos and exotic animal collectors over thirty years ago.

What is the difference between a llama and an alpaca?

Llamas and alpacas are closely related members of the camelid family.  The primary difference between llamas and alpacas is size.  Adult llamas generally run from 300 to 450 pounds, while mature alpacas are approximately half of that weight.  Alpacas are primarily bred for their fiber quality, while llamas have many uses in addition to fiber production.

What do you do with llamas?

Llamas can be used for a variety of things:
Packing
Guarding other livestock
Fiber production
Showing
Public relations
Therapy
Pulling carts
Education
Entertainment

Can I afford a llama?

Initially, llama prices were astronomical due to short supply.  Since that time, they have become readily available and prices have stabilized at much more reasonable figures.  Although tens of thousands of dollars can still be spent on animals with extremely desirable genetics or proven show records, the average llama will sell for $500 to $1000.  When compared to the price of a horse or even a purebred dog, these prices seem quite reasonable for such a multi-purpose animal.