A llama that served as the mascot for a Vancouver Island gun range was found dead by one of its members after over two weeks of searching.
Otis, also known as Waldo, was a llama that had been living on a gun range operated by the Victoria Fish and Game Protective Association (VFGPA) since 2015.
He had last been seen on May 13, and while it was not uncommon for the llama to disappear for days at a time, his owners became concerned after the prolonged absence.
Sadly, according to an email sent by VFGPA president Douglas Bancroft to the association’s mailing list, a member and his tracking dog discovered Otis dead on the VFGPA property.
He was found just to the northeast of the end of the range, near two of his bedding spots.
According to a post on the VFGPA Facebook page, the llama died of natural causes and there are no signs of an attack by a predator.
“Otis picked us to be his herd years ago,” Bancroft wrote in his email.
“Llamas are social by nature, and we believe that he was lonely. Otis was also very inquisitive, and polite. Once he met us, he stayed. I am sure that many of you will miss him.”
The VFGPA president also offered special condolences to members Cheryl Henley and David Gerow, who he said were like a “mother and father” to Otis.
