VICUNIA.
The Dromedary, or Single-Humped Camel, (Camelus dromedarius), is a smaller animal than the preceding, of lighter build, and therefore capable of much more speed in travelling. This species never is clothed with long hair.
Next to the Camel House and corrals is the installation for the nearest relatives of those species,—the Llamas, Guanacos and other cameloids of South America.
THE LLAMA HOUSE, No. 38.
Collection of Cameloids was presented by Mr. Robert S. Brewster.
The arid regions of South America are inhabited by four species of long-necked, long-haired, soft-footed animals, so closely related to the camels of the Old World that they are called cameloids. There are four species. The llama and alpaca are in a state of domestication, and are supposed to have been derived from the wild guanaco and vicunia. All of them might almost be described as small-sized, humpless camels; and their tempers and mental traits are as odd as their forms.
The ordinary cameloid is a quiet and inoffensive creature; but the exception is a rogue of rogues. It will bite with the persistence of a bull-dog, and with its massive, chisel-like lower incisors inflicts ugly wounds. At times a llama or vicunia becomes actually insane, and seeks to destroy every living creature within its reach. Regardless of punishment, such creatures attack their keepers and their herd-mates, spit upon visitors, and rage up and down their corrals in most absurd fashion. Occasionally such individuals require to be completely isolated.
The Llama, (Lama glama), is the largest and strongest member of the group. Its body is covered with a thick mass of long, wavy hair of fine texture, which may be either brown, white, white and brown, or almost black. The head and legs are short-haired like those of the guanaco. From time immemorial, this animal has been used as a beast of burden, and in the Andes has played an important part in the mineral industry by carrying silver ore and bullion from the mines.
The Alpaca, (Lama pacos), is bred for its wool. It is smaller than the llama, but more abundantly haired on the legs, neck and head. Its fleece is long, and lies in stringy tufts. Usually its color is dark brown or black, but occasionally a white Alpaca is seen. A white specimen in the Zoological Park collection has blue eyes.
The Guanaco, (Lama guanacus), is one of the most interesting and valuable wild animals now found in Patagonia. Unfortunately, it is so stupid and incapable that it is easily killed. The natives of Terra del Fuego, themselves almost the lowest and most ignorant of men, slaughter Guanacos for food by surrounding groups of them and clubbing them to death.