Posted on 02/04/2006 1:14:36 PM PST by martin_fierro
Llamas joins Israeli troops on frontline
Fri Feb 3, 12:40 PM ET
JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli army has gone wild and enlisted the llama, originally from Latin America, as a new if unconventional hardware carrier for infantry units on rugged terrain, a military source said.
Two commando units operating in northern Israel near the volatile Lebanese border have been supplied with llamas each capable of carrying 60 kilograms (132 pounds), the source said.
A disciplined beast, the llama has excellent hearing and a highly developed sense of smell, according to army logistics chief General Itzhak Ben Tov. On the downside, the animal is reputed to be touchy and to spit when cross.
Previously, the army tried to put mules to work but the animals proved too stubborn and incapable of carrying heavy goods.
Twenty-three days old baby llama cuddles up to his mom at Sofia Zoo, in December 2005. The Israeli army has gone wild and enlisted the llama, originally from Latin America, as a new if unconventional hardware carrier for infantry units on rugged terrain.(AFP/Valentina Petrova)
I llove it!
Oh I hope they don't get hurt, they are so cute.
Llamas vs. Hamas.
I llove Allpacas.com
"Watch out, there are llamas."
Just curious, wouldn't camels work well over there?
Why not? Llamas are close kin to camels...
"The 105th Llama Brigade"? "The Fighting Llamas"? "The 101st Airborne Llamas"?
Not to worry. My experience with llamas in the Andes left me with the knowledge that they are well capable of taking care of themselves.
I disagree with the statement in this article that a llama can carry heavier loads than a mule. And by the way, I think these folks should know that a llama will only spit at you if he can't bite you.
Sung to the tune of "The Green Berets"
"Fightin' llamas from the sky - fighting llamas who jump and die - llamas who mean just what they say - the fightin' llamas of the IDF"
Thank you very much. I'll be here all week.
I just read where camels can carry almost 1,000 lbs, thought the normal carrying weight is around 330 lbs. And their endurance is amazing, where they can go a week or more without water: go several months without food: and survive a 40% decrease in it's body weight. They can be used to carry items and/or pull items. Their milk is more nutrious than cow's milk, and can be drunk fresh. It provides dung that can be used immediately for fuel. They will eat plants that other animals will avoid. They are also known to be a friendly animal. Their hearing is very acute.
"Israeli troops, let me just say this:
You look mahvelous!"
What happened, those in charge of training the moose were sacked?
Could not afford the cheese.
The Muslims have now managed to pi$$ off everybody.
[For llamas named Fernando, this song might be appropo...]
There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
Theres no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
I thought it was because the moose once bit their sister.
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