Farm loses llama matriarch

August 2007

by Wayne Geiger

Photograph of Pearl standing in knee high field of grass.
Pearl was a sweet and gentle llama who called the Sanctuary her home for five year.

Pearl, the dear little llama that everyone grew to love because of her inquisitiveness, her gentle spirit and her sweet disposition died August 18, 2007 of old age. Pearl was truly the matriarch of the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary because she and her longtime companion, Marty, were the very first two animals that were rescued by the newly formed Lighthouse. Pearl, Marty, and a third fellow, Kevin came to us from a domestic violence situation in the Amity, Oregon area. The owner ultimately went to prison and his wife and family to a safe house leaving Pearl, Marty, and Kevin to fend for themselves in a scrub pasture that had very little to eat, to say nothing about nutrition. Kevin was placed in a new home. And, since September 2002, The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary has been home to Pearl and Marty.

Pearl has always loved people, especially people bearing treats. Her favorite treat was apples, but she wouldn’t turn down a carrot either and on occasion liked a cabbage leaf, a slice of multigrain bread, or a piece of romaine lettuce. Because Pearl was getting on in years (estimated to be in her middle to late 20’s), Pearl started hanging out in the alley way leading to all the paddocks. There she did not have to compete for food and treats, but even so, she was quite willing to share hers with whomever else happened to be in the alley way that day—Trixie the sheep; Luke the young pig; and even Alison, a tiny Yorkie. They all loved Pearl’s breakfast of molasses flavored grains.

Pearl was the “brainchild” behind the farm’s “Pennies for Pearl” campaign. She had developed a tooth abscess and required medical treatment at Oregon State School of Veterinary Medicine. Those bills and her follow-up care were completely paid for thru donations to “her” fund. School children collected pop cans; group tours brought bags of loose coin; and, adults gave garden parties, all to raise money for Pearl. She will be missed!