Llamas out for their morning walk ahead of NYS Fair

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — You never know what you’re going to find around the New York State Fair before it opens. You might even see llamas strolling through the midway for their early morning walk.

“They sit around in stalls all day with people poking them and petting them. So, it’s just nice for them to get out and have some ‘them’ time,” Evelyn, a 16-year-old who owns one a llama, said.

Evelyn grew up wanting a cow, but when she saw a llama on a Christmas tree farm six years ago… that changed.

“This is Huila, she’s got her own personality. She’s a little stubborn and sassy,” Evelyn explained. “She’s named after a volcano in the Andes. She’s definitely her own llama you can’t really tell her what to do.”

Now, Evelyn sees Huila as her best friend. She’s passionate about sharing her love for llamas with others.

“Huila has gone to a class before. I’ve given a presentation and demonstration about llamas,” Evelyn shared.

Evelyn is so passionate that it’s her goal to study animal science at college next year and become a large animal veterinarian.

Huila doesn’t live with Evelyn, she is boarded on the llama farm that Barb Ferris owns… with 16 other llamas.

“I’m not a breeder. they’re my pets. some people needed a place to board their llamas and so the next thing you know we have 17 llamas in the barn,” Ferris said.

Barb brings six of her llamas and Evelyn brings Huila to the fair to compete in obstacle courses, showmanship, and halter classes.

“Huila can do really well, but it really depends on what she feels like doing,” Evelyn said.

For both Evelyn and Barb, it’s not about their llamas winning, it’s about friendship.

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