How the Moore’s Got Started with Llamas:
It All Began with Stromboli …
For as long as we can remember, our family has been drawn to the wild places — the kind of places you can only reach on foot, where the air is crisp, the silence is deep, and the stars and moon shine bright enough to guide your steps. We have always loved hiking, backcountry adventures, and the kind of rugged simplicity that comes from time spent in nature. We discovered that we loved sharing those experiences with animals.
That is how our llama story began — with a desire to spend more time in the wilderness and a deep respect for the companionship animals bring to the journey.
Our first llama was named Stromboli. Looking back, we could not have asked for a better teacher. Stromboli was more than just a pack animal; he was a patient mentor, a trail companion, and a reminder that the best lessons often come from experience!
Stromboli taught us balance — quite literally. We learned to pack panniers with equal weight so that every mile of the trail was fair to both sides. We learned that preparation matters: conditioning for both llama and human is key if you want to face whatever the wilderness might throw your way.
He also taught us the value of work ethic and endurance. Stromboli hiked countless miles with us, carrying gear and hunting harvests across rugged terrain. He stood guard over our camps, alert and steady, and helped us raise our younger llama boys to understand the same responsibility, trail sense, and respect for nature’s rhythms.
Through Stromboli, we discovered that working with llamas isn’t just about utility — it’s about partnership. It’s about learning to move at a more intentional pace. It’s about stewardship, resilience, and the joy that comes from being in God’s creation.
That one llama began what has now become a family passion. Today, our herd has grown, and so has our love for these incredible animals. Stromboli is no longer with us, but no matter how many trails we travel or llamas we train, we will never forget where it all started — with Stromboli, the llama who taught us how to walk the wilderness well.
Cria Season Has Begun at the Ranch!
JAMES TAYLOR
Spring on the ranch always brings a sense of anticipation, but this year the excitement arrived right on schedule. Cria season officially began on March 6, 2026, when our first baby of the year made his debut. We welcomed James Taylor to the ranch — a healthy, curious little guy who has already captured our hearts.
For those unfamiliar with the term, a cria (KREE-uh) is the name for a baby llama. Watching them take their first wobbly steps beside their mothers is one of the great joys of ranch life.
A Musical Theme for 2026
Each year we choose a naming theme for our babies, and 2026 is all about music. Since our first arrival is James Taylor, the rest of this year's crias will also be named after musical artists. We’re expecting 8–10 more babies between now and May, so there will be plenty of musical inspiration coming to the pasture!
The Waiting Game: Llama Gestation
Llama pregnancies require patience. Gestation lasts about 11½ months, which means the planning for our 2026 babies actually began early last spring.
Because timing matters so much on the ranch, we hand breed our females. This allows us to closely track breeding dates and gives us a much better estimate of when each cria might arrive. Even with careful planning, though, every birth still feels like a wonderful surprise.
Why Cria Season Is Special
Cria season is one of the most rewarding times of the year. Each new arrival brings:
New genetics and potential for the herd
Fresh energy and curiosity in the pasture
Plenty of adorable moments for everyone who visits the ranch
Newborn crias are usually up and walking within the first hour of life and quickly begin exploring the world around them.
Stay Tuned…
With 8–10 more babies expected, our pastures will soon be filled with new life — and plenty of musical names to match. We’ll be sharing updates as each new cria arrives, so keep an eye on the ranch for the next little star to join the lineup.
For now, James Taylor is enjoying his first weeks on the ranch, learning the ropes and soaking up the spring sunshine.
And if the rest of the season is anything like the first arrival, it’s going to be a beautiful year on the ranch.
Why We Name Our Llamas (and What Their Names Mean)
At our ranch, naming llamas is never random. It’s relational, creative, and honestly—one of the most joy-filled traditions we have. Names matter. They carry story, humor, memory, and identity. Over the years, we’ve discovered something surprising: our llamas seem to grow into their names.
We name our llamas in cohorts—groups connected by a shared theme, season, or chapter of life. It gives us a way to mark time, remember stories, and invite our whole family into the process. Naming is rarely a solo decision; it’s often loud, full of laughter, and always meaningful.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite naming cohorts—and what their names mean to us.
The Pandemic Cohort: Finding Humor in a Hard Season
Like so many families, the pandemic marked a strange and heavy chapter of life. When several llamas were born during that season, naming them became a way to process the moment—with a little levity and a lot of family humor.
Wuhan – A marker of the moment history shifted.
Covid – A reminder of a season we won’t forget.
QuaranTina – Because my daughter really wanted a llama named Tina.
Rona – Short, sassy, and unforgettable.
ElVira – A playful twist that brought some flair to an otherwise serious time.
These names don’t make light of hardship—but they do remind us that even in difficult seasons, life continues, joy shows up, and sometimes laughter is an act of resilience.
The Hells Canyon Cohort: Inspired by Place and the Land
Some cohorts are named to honor places that have shaped us. Our Hells Canyon cohort reflects the beauty, geology, and grit of wild country.
Emerald – For the deep greens and hidden beauty of the canyon.
Crystal – Clear, strong, and quietly striking.
Hibbs – A nod to local geography and history.
Cuprum – Latin for copper, grounding this group in the earth itself.
These llamas carry names that feel solid and timeless—just like the landscapes that inspired them.
The Tractor Cohort: Built to Work
Some llamas are born packers—strong, steady, and ready to work. It felt only right to name this cohort after dependable farm machinery.
Massey Ferguson
Pasquali
New Holland
Allis Chalmers
These names fit llamas who show up ready to pull their weight. There’s something satisfying about calling a hardworking llama by the name of a tractor known for reliability.
The Classic Car Cohort: Style, Power, and Personality
This is one of our most iconic groups. Classic car names carry nostalgia, character, and unmistakable presence—much like the llamas themselves.
Chevelle
Nova
Vega
Hemi Cuda
Catalina
Shelby GT
Maverick
Monte Carlo
LeMans
Some are sleek. Some are bold. Some are a little quirky. All of them have presence—and their names fit them better every year.
The Hiking Boot Cohort: Born for the Trail
Given our love for the backcountry, it’s no surprise that one of our favorite cohorts is inspired by hiking boots. These names belong to llamas bred and trained for the trail—sure-footed, athletic, and ready to go.
Schnee
Keen
Oboz
Kenetrek
Zamberlan
Teva
Merrell
Lowa
Crispi
Salomon
Danner
These llamas embody what their names suggest: endurance, reliability, and comfort over long miles.
Why Cohorts Matter
Naming in cohorts helps us remember when a llama came into our story and why they matter. It strengthens our connection to them and to each other. Our kids remember the stories. Visitors remember the names. And somehow, over time, the llamas live into them.
A Maverick becomes independent. A Massey Ferguson proves unshakeable. A Danner finds his stride on the trail.
Names shape narrative—and at our ranch, every llama has one worth telling.
If you ever visit, ask us about a name. Chances are, there’s a story behind it.
Why Use Llamas as Backcountry Pack Animals?
It all begins with an idea.
If you have ever dreamed of exploring the backcountry, you know that carrying everything you need on your back can quickly turn a dream into a test of endurance. This is where llamas come in!
At first glance, llamas might seem like an unusual choice for a pack animal. Llamas are not as large as horses or mules, and they don’t have the rugged image of a mountain goat. But once you’ve spent time in the wild with llamas, you begin to understand: they are uniquely made for this kind of adventure.
1. Llamas Are Born for the Mountains
Llamas come from the high Andes of South America, where steep terrain, rocky trails, and thin air are part of everyday life. Their sure-footedness on narrow trails and uneven ground makes them ideal for traversing rugged country. Unlike heavier animals, llamas tread lightly, minimizing trail impact and erosion. They move gracefully where other pack animals struggle.
2. They’re Low-Impact and Environmentally Friendly
Llamas have soft, padded feet—similar to a dog’s paw—which makes them gentle on delicate alpine ecosystems. They do not leave deep hoof prints or tear up trails, and they browse lightly rather than overgrazing. For those of us who love the wilderness, llamas offer a way to travel responsibly and sustainably through fragile terrain.
3. They Carry the Weight—Not the Waste
An average adult llama can comfortably carry 25 - 30 percent of their body weight (depending on terrain, distance, and conditioning) which means you can hike farther and enjoy the journey without being weighed down. Because they browse on available vegetation and drink less water than many other pack animals, you can travel lighter and farther with fewer supplies. And since llamas are efficient eaters, they produce less waste—making cleanup simple and your campsite cleaner.
4. Calm, Curious, and Companionable
Llamas (typically) have gentle temperaments and calm dispositions. They tend to be be alert, they are not typically skittish, they are curious and respectful. When you spend days hiking with llamas, you begin to form a bond—one built on mutual trust.
5. Easy Keepers
Llamas require minimal equipment and maintenance. They don’t need shoes, special tack, or grain. A well-fitted halter, panniers, a lead rope ~ and supplemental feed are often all that’s required. At camp, they will happily graze nearby and bed down quietly for the night. Their efficiency makes them perfect companions for hunters, photographers, and hikers who want to focus on the experience.
6. Great for Families and Beginners
Llamas are approachable animals, making them a great choice for families or those new to packing. Children often find them fascinating and less intimidating than larger animals. Often times, other hikers enjoy encountering a llama string on the trail. Their size, demeanor, and cooperative nature make them a perfect introduction to backcountry travel with animal partners.
7. They Let You Go Farther—and Enjoy More
At the end of the day, using llamas as pack animals allows you to explore farther, stay longer, and enjoy the wilderness more fully. They make it possible to carry a few comforts—better food, a cozy tent, or that extra camera lens—without sacrificing mobility. Llamas don’t just carry your gear; they expand your experience.
Final Thoughts
Once you have experienced a trip with llamas, it will be hard to imagine going back. They embody everything you want in a backcountry companion—strength, steadiness, and serenity. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or setting out for your first wilderness trek, llamas make it possible to journey deeper into the wild with a lighter load.
Llama Visits: How to Bring the Magic to Your Event
There’s something unforgettable about a llama entering a space—the calm presence, the expressive eyes, the instant smiles. Llamas add charm, joy, and a touch of whimsy to any gathering. Here are some of the best ways to bring llama magic to your next event.
Living Nativities
As members of the camelid family, llamas add a meaningful and memorable touch to Living Nativity scenes. Their gentle demeanor, quiet nature, and steady presence make them perfect for church events that draw families and create wonder.
Fall Festivals
Llamas are a natural fit for autumn celebrations. Families love:
Cozy fall-themed photo ops
Short llama walks
Meet-and-greet pens
They bring a warm, festive feel to any harvest event.
Weddings
Yes—llamas at weddings are pure magic.
Perfect for:
Unique couple or guest photos
Rustic, boho, or whimsical themes
Their calm presence and elegant look create unforgettable moments guests talk about for years.
Birthday Parties
Make the birthday child’s day with a llama guest!
Llama parties can include hands-on time, fun facts, and photos. It’s a unique, joyful experience kids absolutely love.
College Campus Visits
Llamas are surprisingly effective stress relievers. Colleges bring llamas for:
Finals-week breaks
Welcome-week events
Mental-health awareness days
They draw crowds, spark smiles, and create instant campus buzz.
Vacation Bible School
A llama visit is a memorable kickoff or finale for VBS. Linked to themes like God’s Creation or global missions, llamas help kids engage, learn, and wonder.
Why Llamas Make Events Special:
Llamas bring a calming, friendly presence; interactive fun, they offer fantastic photos and a unique experience that guests remember. Bring llama magic to your event!
From weddings and festivals to church programs and campus events, our gentle, well-trained llamas are ready to make your special day unforgettable.
Contact us to check availability—especially during fall and holiday seasons!
