Yarner Llamas was set up by Bruce and Ceri Alexander in March 2021. Our farm in Devon was situated on 26 acres of rolling green countryside in Haccombe Valley, South Devon. Despite being very recent entrants into the wonderful world of llamas and llama breeding, we are fortunate to own 43 of these majestic and engaging animals.
In the summer of 2022 we decided that we wanted to live on our farm with our animals so we could spend more time with them. The search began for a new farm which eventually led to us buying our new home in Weston Underwood near Olney. Home, farm and animals were moved over a 4 day period and everyone is now very content in their new surroundings
Our love of llamas and all things llama related began in September 2020 when we visited Annie Austen at Watertown Llamas with the idea that a group of 3 castrated boys might make interesting field pets. Instantly bitten by the ‘llama bug’, all thoughts of a lazy retirement evaporated in favour of happy days working and interacting with a breeding herd on our own farm.
Llama History
About Llamas
Llamas can live for 20-25 years and come in a variety of colours and patterns including spotties.
Care & Breeding
Although they are hardy animals, shelter must be provided as protection from heat and storms.
Our Herd
Our herd currently consists of 19 beautiful Young Females; 3 young female cria from 2024, our 9 Mature Adult Females Serena, Tiffin, Miranda, Marnie, Aria, Fantasia, Pom, Edina and Salina; 8 Young Males,one male cria from 2024 and 3 Studs. Not to be forgotten, we also have 4 Alpacas in the family.
Woolly (Tampuli)
Woolly llamas, also known as Tampuli llamas, are a distinctive breed characterized by their dense, luxurious fleece. These llamas are smaller and stockier compared to the less woolly Ccara llamas. Their woolly coats extend down their legs and often feature a distinctive “topknot” on their heads.
Tampuli llamas are known for their hairy ears, fuzzy faces, beards, and bushy eyebrows, giving them a unique and endearing appearance. They are selectively bred not only for their fabulous fleece but also for their good nature, making them excellent pets, trekking companions, and therapy animals.
In South America, woolly llamas are more common than the classic Ccara llamas, but they remain a rare sight in other parts of the world. Their dense fleece is highly valued, and they are often used in breeding programs to enhance the quality of llama fiber.
Suri Llamas
The origin of the word ‘Suri’ is shrouded in the mystery and legends of Aymaran and Quechuan natives of the altiplano of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Suri was originally applied as a descriptive term for the shiny, silky feathers of the Rhea, a member of the ostrich family, that were used as decorative adornments of Inca and Aymaran royalty.
Suri in its literal translation means ‘straight’. The defining characteristics of this fibre are that of a fine straight highly lustrous fibre with a very soft handle or feel. Archaeological evidence of the domestication of camelids with Suri type fibre dates back three thousand years in what is now Peru and Bolivia. During the reign of the Inca culture legend says that the Suri was bred exclusively for the use of royalty. After the Spanish conquest of Peru the number of Suris apparently suffered sharp and progressive declines.