Whitetop, a llama working at Victory Junction camp in North Carolina, was recently declared the world’s oldest llama in captivity by the Guinness World Records. The camp, founded by NASCAR star Richard Petty and his family, is a year-round free camp designed for chronically ill and disabled children. Whitetop is known for his relaxed and empathetic personality, often comforting campers by allowing them to pet him. He dethroned Dalai Llama as the oldest llama in captivity at 27 years and more than 250 days.
Whitetop was donated to Victory Junction camp in 2006, just two years after it was founded by Kyle Petty and his family in honor of Petty’s son, Adam. The camp sits on 84 acres in Randleman, North Carolina, and is meant for children with various conditions such as cancer, kidney and heart disease, cerebral palsy, and Spina Bifida. Whitetop has become a beloved figure at the camp, known for comforting children and helping them come out of their shell with his sweet nature.
The llama’s longevity can be attributed to excellent veterinary care, exercise, and his love for his job at the camp. While llamas typically have a lifespan of around 15 years, Whitetop has surpassed expectations at 27 years old. Despite developing arthritis in his twilight years, he remains healthy overall. Whitetop’s best friend at the camp is a miniature highland cow named Gus-Gus, and he enjoys rolling in wood chippings, chomping on soaked alfalfa, and posing for selfies.
Many campers like Stephanie Wilkerson have found comfort in petting and hugging Whitetop during their time at Victory Junction. Wilkerson, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, initially felt nervous around the llama but soon found that interacting with him helped her relax. In light of Whitetop’s newfound fame as the world’s oldest llama, the camp has started selling limited edition T-shirts featuring the llama with sunglasses and the phrase “Still Spit’n,” with proceeds supporting the camp’s activities and initiatives.
Despite llamas being known for spitting, Davis, the camp’s barn director, assures that Whitetop rarely engages in this behavior. Llamas typically spit when they are scared, uncomfortable, or territorial, but Whitetop is said to be so happy in his role at the camp that he does not exhibit this behavior. Overall, Whitetop’s presence at Victory Junction has brought joy and comfort to many children over the years, making him a valued member of the camp community as the world’s oldest llama in captivity.
