The Llama Sanctuary of Canada

The Llama Sanctuary is the largest camelid rescue organization in Canada and possibly North America and has been operating from a temporary location since last August, after the landlord of a long-term rental property, had different plans for the land being used.  All those years of developing a beautiful park for The Llama Sanctuary were swept away.  Despite great effort, a new home could not be secured for The Sanctuary in time. 

As we move into 2023, The Llama Sanctuary is once again pulling out all the stops to secure a Forever Home for the entire Llama Sanctuary operation together with its 40 residents and we need YOUR help!   We must vacate this temporary accommodation by the end of March ... just a few weeks away.

• A suitable property has been found and whilst we seek a benefactor to procure it, The Llama Sanctuary needs to raise $350,000 right now to be able to secure the new home and the required infrastructure to house the current 40 residents as well as to accept emergency refugees. 
• In addition to this is the cost of relocating 40 llamas and alpacas with all of the equipment required to run such a large operation.  The goal is for the animals in care to never be made homeless again.
• The cost of moving to the temporary location was in the order of $36,000.   It is anticipated that the expenses involved in moving again will amount to a further $15,000, as well as $100,000 to secure the property and to keep The Sanctuary running in the interim.
• The construction of new barns, including a special care facility for the sick and injured animals that come into The Sanctuary, as well as building all new fences, is expected to be in the region of $200,000. 

The Llama Sanctuary has an important role to play in society and a Roadmap is being developed to ensure the longevity of The Sanctuary, come what may!

Every Llama Has a Story to Tell

Every one of the llamas, alpacas and cats has a story to tell about why they needed help. Visitors are often deeply moved by these stories and many develop strong bonds with the characterful creatures they meet.  A number of the residents live with severe disabilities.

Gemmy was born blind and surrendered to The Sanctuary when she was 3 days old because the vet advised that she would have zero quality of life. She is now six years and visitors are amazed by her ability to navigate freely and easily among the trees and fences.

Brownie, Gypsy and Princess are all severely crippled, but they love their life and might greet you with a few llama kisses!

Plessey arrived a few weeks ago, ragged, emaciated, dehydrated and with a heart problem.  With 24/7 care he is recovering well and is enjoying having so many other llamas around.

Visitors to The Llama Sanctuary play an important role in rebuilding trust with llamas and alpacas who have not been treated well in the past.  By watching other camelids interact with people and receive treats they learn that people are safe.

The Llama Sanctuary offers guided tours most days.  It is wonderful to see how quickly llamas regain or develop trust as they watch their new friends interact with visitors.

Some of the residents were roaming wild, having been released into the forest of British Columbia.  They make long-lasting bonds with the other llamas among The Sanctuary Tribes.

We invite you to come along to our new location and make friends with these wonderful animals! The Sanctuary has become a popular destination for autistic care groups, who discover the tremendous impact of llama calm upon mental and emotional hyperactivity.

About Us

Established in 2005, The Sanctuary has assisted many hundreds of llamas and alpacas, as well as people who suddenly find themselves unable to care for the creatures they love.

Visitors to The Llama Sanctuary are invariably amazed at the gentleness, peace and calm to be found just being around llamas and their desire to make friends.

The Llama Sanctuary is the largest camelid rescue organization in Canada and possibly North America, providing a home for between 40 and 60 residents at any given time. New homes are found for most of the llamas and alpacas who come through the gates. The elderly, the injured, the sick and those with behavioural challenges always remain in the care of Sanctuary.

Many times, The Llama Sanctuary is called in to assist when a llama has been left behind when the carer has died or become ill or moved away without notice. Llamas have been widely adopted as pets, but when they become old, finding new homes for them can be extremely difficult.

The Sanctuary has helped many people who have found themselves in situations where they can no longer care for the llamas and alpacas they have lived with, often for many years. For this service to the people of Canada, The Sanctuary receives no public funding.