The Llama is a member of the group known as Lamoids. This group includes llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas. Guanacos and vicunas live in the wild, whereas llamas and alpacas exist only as domesticated species. Although originally compared to sheep, it soon became apparent that the closest relative of this group is the camel.

A llama’s social position in a herd is never static. Being a very social herd species, they are known to start fights as a way of disciplining lower-ranking level llamas or sorting out who is boss. They are able to move up or down the social ladder through these fights, which often involved spitting at one another, or ramming the other with one’s chest to knock them off balance.

The National Zoo and Aquarium is home to two Llamas; Maja and Maybelline.