Llamas are increasingly kept as pets, pack animals, therapy animals, and livestock guardians, but their specific behavioral and physical needs are frequently misunderstood by new owners.
Llama welfare problems often stem from inappropriate management by owners who underestimate the complexity of camelid behavior and husbandry. Berserk Male Syndrome - where bottle-raised or over-habituated male llamas become dangerously aggressive toward humans - is a preventable welfare and safety problem that occurs when the behavioral needs of crias are not understood. Obesity is another common welfare failure: llamas adapted to sparse Andean vegetation develop metabolic disease on the rich UK and North American pasture that is standard for sheep and horses. Understanding the species' evolutionary context - sparse diet, highland climate, herd social structure - provides the framework for appropriate care. First-time llama owners should work closely with an experienced llama owner or camelid vet before acquiring animals.