A buck-toothed llama with a heartwarming purpose is now officially the world’s oldest llama in captivity. Whitetop, a 27-year-old therapy llama, spends his days comforting chronically ill children at Victory Junction. Victory Junction is a specialized camp in North Carolina.
This llama’s recognition by the Guinness World Records last week dethroned the previous record holder, the Dalai Llama. He lived in Albuquerque and held the title in 2023.
Whitetop’s journey to becoming a beloved therapy animal started in 2006. He first started donating to the camp just two years after it was founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty.
The camp was created in memory of Petty’s son, Adam. Adam tragically died in a racing accident in 2000 at the age of 19. Victory Junction provides a safe space for children with severe medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Here, Whitetop has become a central figure, offering comfort and connection to campers who may struggle with social interactions or sensory processing.
The impact of Whitetop’s presence at the camp goes beyond simple companionship. Research has shown that animal-assisted therapy can help lower stress and anxiety levels in patients with chronic illnesses.
Petting and interacting with animals like Whitetop can stimulate positive emotions and reduce cortisol levels. It also provides a sense of normalcy to children who often spend much of their lives in hospitals.
His gentle demeanor helps campers step out of their comfort zones, making the experience more enriching and memorable.
“He can be kind of intimidating at first. But once they come over to him and love on him and pet on him, they just realize how sweet he is.He really gets to help campers come out of their shell when they interact with him.”
said Billie Davis, the camp’s barn director.
Whitetop’s popularity extends beyond the campgrounds. His love for selfies and social interactions has made him a favorite among visitors and staff.
Davis explained that Whitetop is particular about how he poses for photos. He often tilts his head to the perfect angle when someone is taking pictures. Almost as he knows it.
“If you try to take a picture of him from the side, he’s not into it. He will, like, scoot in there and try to get his face from a side profile so that it’s like he’s cheesing.”
Davis said
Despite his age, Whitetop remains surprisingly active. He enjoys rolling in fresh wood chips and munching on soaked alfalfa. They also spend time with his animal friends, including a miniature highland cow named Gus-Gus.
However, arthritis has begun to set in, a common condition for llamas well beyond their typical lifespan of 15 years. Good veterinary care, exercise, and an environment filled with love and purpose have contributed to his longevity.
Among those touched by Whitetop’s presence is Stephanie Wilkerson. She first attended Victory Junction in 2006 after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Stephanie admitted to being nervous around Whitetop at first but quickly found comfort in his calming presence.
“When I started stroking him more and more and more, I got more relaxed,” Wilkerson says.
Whitetop’s newfound fame has inspired the camp to release a special line of T-shirts featuring his likeness. To complete the look, they also come with sunglasses and the phrase “Still Spit’n.” The proceeds from these sales support the camp’s mission, ensuring that more children can experience its healing environment.
Interestingly, Whitetop challenges the common belief that llamas are aggressive and prone to spitting. Davis clarified that llamas typically only spit when they feel threatened or territorial, and Whitetop’s gentle nature means he rarely does.
