The Llama, the Incas, Perú and the Andes
by Charles Young and Karl Klooster

The Llama

Llamas are instantly recognizable by their huge eyes and banana-shaped ears. As babies there is probably no cuter animal on earth. This irresistible attraction served as the inspiration for the creation of Andy the Llama and its characters.

All Peruvians have a natural affinity for the Llama, and Andy’s co-creator Charles Young, a native of Lima, is no exception. While growing up, they were common in his world and looked fondly upon. It was only logical, he reasoned, that children everywhere would find them equally appealing.

It is no exaggeration to state that the Inca civilization could not have functioned without the Llama much less have grown into the grand empire that it became.

As much as the Llama was essential to the Incas' "big picture", however, it is the accomplishments of these people, the legends and lore surrounding them that weave the complex tapestry of the extraordinary Inca Empire. Therein lies a mother lode of material that will be intertwined into intriguing Andy stories destined to continue for years to come.

To the Andean natives, who rely on them everyday, this affinity goes even further. To say that the Andeans love their Llamas is an understatement. For the Andeans, they are as integral a part of their daily lives as the soaring mountains themselves. In their culture Llamas are considered to be a gift from the gods.

Of the 14 animals domesticated by man throughout the world, the Llama alone among them is native to the Americas. This dependable beast of burden, docile servant of man, and amiable personal companion remains as indispensable to today's Andean Indians as a horse is to a cowboy, a camel to a Bedouin, or a sled dog to an Eskimo.