October 20, 2006

There is a llama on the loose in Albemarle County and its owners are asking for your help to catch it.

La Tee and Big Brother are a couple of lonely llamas. Their best friend London Ray has been missing for days. She was scared away from her pen off of Green Creek Road by a black bear last Friday and is probably miles away from home by now.

"Llamas are herd animals and they are not very happy alone. So the llama that is out there right now is undoubtedly lonely and scared," said Ken Klotz, the llama owner.

The 6 foot tall llama with black hair, is not wearing a tag and its owner is concerned about London Ray’s health. She must have a shot every six weeks to prevent an intestinal worm that could be deadly.

"There is some time, maybe about another month, but after that she’ll be vulnerable," said Klotz.

Animal Control has been on the look out and so have neighbors.

"He turned around and started back down the road and I called Ken and we haven't seen her since," said Dick Wakefield, a neighbor. That was the last time London Ray was spotted.

"In the beginning, we were getting calls then we had hope, but as time goes on we are just not sure that she'll be found," said Marcelle Moral, the wife of the llama owner.

However, that doesn't mean they're going to stop trying. The owners have put up an electric fence that should deter the bear from coming back to harm the other two llamas. Hopefully, that will also prevent the llamas from hitting the high road in search of their friend, the llama on the loose.

Anyone who spots the llama is asked to call the owners at (434) 831-2575. Instead of capturing it the owners want to bring another llama in a harness and try to walk them home together.