A former zookeeper thinks the Arizona llama capture was done all wrong

Earlier today, two brave llamas escaped from their homes in Arizona and had a grand time romping through Sun City while throngs of people tried to catch them.

The white llama and the black llama ran through the city, across roads, and almost onto a highway before they were caught by a man in the back of a pickup truck with a lasso. During their brief moment of freedom, the llamas were chased by many, many people. The llamas seemed very stressed, as if they were not enjoying their vacation at all.

A former zookeeper weighed in on Twitter about how poorly he thought the llama chase was conducted:

Rather than trying to physically grab the llamas, authorities should be trying to contain them. Herd them into a yard.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

At this point, the animals are pretty worked up, giving them 10 mins to calm down without approaching them would do wonders.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

The more stressed they get, the larger their flight distance. Only way to reduce that distance is to let them calm down.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

And when it does come time to move in on them, it should be people that are actually willing to grab the animals.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

The more stressed they get, the larger their flight distance. Only way to reduce that distance is to let them calm down.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

Once the animals are grabbed, expect to be kicked, pushed, and spit on.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

They’re llamas, nothing to be concerned about. There shouldn’t be a rush in this situation. Back off, give them time. It may take an hour.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

During animal escapes, it’s common for inexperienced people to rush right in as if its a race. Chasing does no good, it only worsens situat.

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

In the end, the llamas were captured not by grabbing, but by lasso.

Even Brown was impressed:

INCREDIBLE LASSO WORK BY DUDES IN TRUCK! pic.twitter.com/epcQ5UzrIf

— anthony brown (@anthonybrown) February 26, 2015

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