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. 

The Forever Home for The Llama Sanctuary has been found but there is much infrastructure required.  The cost of moving three times in nine months has been colossal, but the longevity of The Llama Sanctuary. its service and important role in society throughout North America is ensured.

The moving costs and construction of new barns and paddocks, 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 $48,550. 

Moving & Rebuilding The Llama Sanctuary

• Moving two 40’ shipping containers from Vernon to Mara and then again from Mara to Tappen:                                                                                                      $5000
• Moving five 20’ containers from Vernon to Mara:               $1400
• Five rolls of fence wire @ $1000 per roll:                              $5000
• Three bundles of 115 fence posts @$1150 each:                $3450
• Rental of five 20’ shipping containers 3 x $900/month:     $2700
• Cost of U-Haul truck:                                                                $1000
• Visitor Centre/office/workshop/studio                                $10000
• Barn in second pasture                                                          $20000

Total sought for this campaign:                                                   $48,550   See updates for full details and images.

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.