A 17-year-old llama named Nemorosa escaped from the western Finland town of Punkalaidun on Wednesday night, making her break while being transferred, along with another llama, to a sheep farm.
The other llama was immediately caught, but Nemorosa was still on the lam on Friday, roaming somewhere along the border of the Pirkanmaa and Satakunta regions in the town of Huittinen.
The last sighting of Nemorosa was made on Wednesday evening in a forest area in Huittinen. Llama farmer Anu Koivisto said it is unlikely that Nemorosa was still in the forest, as llamas are mountain animals.
"The woods are a scary place for a llama. The llama often seeks out open spaces, such as roads, fields or a rock," said Koivisto.
According to Koivisto, 17-year-old Nemorosa is stubborn but kind. She is wearing a harness but will probably be scared if someone attempts to grab it. According to Koivisto, the easiest way to catch a llama is to approach it calmly with a piece of dry bread or oats.
"When you get close, you put a string around her neck, like a lasso. The llama will then quickly surrender. If you attach the rope to the harness, like the leash on a dog, she will quickly turn into a humble walking companion," said Koivisto.
Llamas do not bite, kick, or attack. They do, however, spit. This is a skill mastered by Nemorosa.
"Nemorosa can spit if she feels cornered. The saliva may smell bad, but it is not dangerous," said Koivisto.
Nemorosa fired from the project
The transfer of Nemorosa and her llama buddy was related to a WWF project testing out llamas as guardians against wolves.
llamas are used in various parts of the world as herd protectors against predators like wolves, as llamas do not instinctively flee from predators. Instead they approach them, often defending themselves by spitting.
"We were to test out llamas as guardians against predators in Finland," said Koivisto.
But Nemorosa decided otherwise. If found, she will not return to her job.
"The llama is an intelligent animal. Once it learns how to escape, it will likely escape again," said Koivisto.
If you come across Nemorosa, you can contact 040 592 9664.