🔒All Llama, No Drama in Newtown

Why travel all the way to South America when you can hitch a ride, er….hike, with a llama right here in Connecticut?

That’s exactly what folks can do if they visit Rowanwood Farm in Newtown. Owner and expert on all things llama, A.J. Collier is waiting to share her beloved, toothy and well-trained pets with anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure.

It was ten years ago that Collier, a former veterinary technician and wildlife rehabilitator/educator, began the business, which is the only USDA-licensed llama hiking adventure company in Connecticut.

“I was the weirdest seven-year old kid, and was born obsessed with llamas,” says Collier. “I asked my parents for a llama every Christmas.”

While she never got a llama under her tree, Collier did purchase a llama years later. Today, her herd of mini-llamas continues to grow, living the good life on her farm, and accompanying people on daily hikes through 60-plus acres nearby at a tranquil place called Sticks & Stones Farm.

Mini-llamas, by the way, are not exactly “mini,” standing a good five feet tall, while their standard-sized siblings check in at about six feet.

Collier conducts hikes year ‘round and tries to do them seven days a week, weather permitting. Llamas love exercise, as long as it’s not too hot or humid. In warmer months, as their human hikers guide them along on colorful leashes, the llamas love to take a dip in a nearby stream.

Her hiking business is growing in popularity, with families, couples, grandparents and curiosity-seekers gravitating toward Collier’s lovable llamas, who hail from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru.

Collier and friends: Getting people away from their phones and back to nature.

Collier pairs the humans with their furry counterparts based on perceived personality (!). Her llamas run the gamut from ones who like to sing, or hum, to those who bring on the “llama drama.” (But not Fernando Lamas.)

Before embarking on a beginner, intermediate or advanced hike, Collier holds a class, sharing fascinating llama facts and showing participants how to handle their camel-like compadres.

Llamas dislike being crowded, and will give you “the stink eye” if they feel as though their personal space is being invaded. Like dogs, llamas can be trained to fetch and jump. Their large, soulful eyes see up and down at the same time, which aids in predator-spotting and they have only bottom teeth, which continue to grow if not trimmed. The herbivores consume large quantities of grass, and when they eliminate solid waste, they do so on command and in a certain spot, so no worries about sidestepping landmines along the journey.

On a recent Saturday, a group of five ventured to Newtown to see what it was like to take a llama hike.

“It’s absolutely magical,” said Michael Schlatter of Norwalk, an animal lover known by his chums as a dog whisperer. “I never heard of a llama hike, but I will absolutely be back to do it again, and I’ll be bringing the grandkids.” He was paired with the singing llama, aptly named Moaning Moon.

Schlatter’s wife Pauline bought her husband the llama hike for his birthday.

“Animals just gravitate toward him; I knew this would be a great experience for him,” proclaimed Pauline.

Collier, who breeds llamas through a program with the Stamford Nature Center, uses a white van donated from an area senior center to transport her herd from the farm to the trails. The van doubles as a mini souvenir shop when sitting idle, peddling tie-dyed “Peace, Love and Llamas” T-shirts. Collier works with schools, scouting groups and special-needs children, too. She adores getting people outdoors.

“Getting people into the forest and back to nature, and away from their cellphones and technology, is so important,” says Collier.

Llama hikes are available by appointment only by contacting Collier at 203-270-8346. More information can be found on Collier’s website at https://www.rowanwoodfarm.com/