Local Shuswap llama now eating and running with joy after severe injury

After homeopathy, various treatments and a whole lot of love, Larry the llama is heading in the right direction in his recovery process.

Larry currently lives at the Llama Sanctuary in Tappen, B.C. with Lynne Milsom and David Chapman, owners of the sanctuary.

Before Larry’s admission into his new home, he suffered a blow to the neck causing severe nerve and neck damage. X-rays of Larry showed a kink in his neck due to a luxated vertebrae.

Chapman described some of his first encounters with Larry.

“He just fell over and paralyzed as his legs were completely floppy,” Chapman said.

While being transferred to the sanctuary, Chapman has noticed the severity of Larry’s neck injury.

(Photo / The Llama Sanctuary)

“I could see there was something wrong with his neck … she had not just one but two luxated vertebrae, two joints in his neck dislocated.”

Chapman explained his emotions after meeting Larry; he said compassion was all he felt. “There is no judgement. We have encountered so many situations and where animals arrived neglected or abused.”

He added that this might have been the first time the sanctuary encountered an injury this severely. Larry could not eat or drink at first, so water must be syringed into him. He cannot lift his head more than about a foot, and his neck is now straight.

People across the community heard about Larry and jumped in to help. Chapman said people from various healing backgrounds poured so much time and energy into Larry.

“Larry has come along really well to the point where can eat and drink and have quality of life so he can engage with his friends.”

Larry’s spirits are up and he is now running and trying to enjoy his life. His recovery journey does not end here. The sanctuary is continuing to raise funds for Larry’s treatment.

Lauren Accili
Lauren Accili
Lauren is a journalist based in Salmon Arm, B.C. She started her journalism career in Vancouver, previously lived in Ladner her whole life, and joined the Vista Radio Salmon Arm team in 2025. Her bio says she’s excited to get to know the community and share its stories.

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