koaPhoto

Lost Creek Ranger Koa

 

ILR # 287656

male  b. 6-11-2014

Lost Creek Credo x Lost Creek Ranger Tokatee

Koa had a fortunate start in life — he presented with both front legs back (lethal for both mom and baby if unattended), and Gwen was, as always, at home to monitor his birth and corrected the accidental malpresentation in a timely manner (this is exactly why Gwen worked night shift). The bonus for Gwen is that on top of ensuring her buddy Tokatee's wellbeing, she acquired a new friend in Koa.

Koa is definitely a thinker! This has proven to be only the tip of the iceberg — Koa continued to blow our minds with his ability to stay in "thought gear" in situations when any other llama would "flip the switch" to reaction all the way until his hormones came in.

Koa's gaits are strong and true — a natural trot and four-beat walk — and he inherited the highly desirable standard Classic coat from his sire along with the super-shedding undercoat of his dam. Unfortunately Koa did not pass his excellent shedding trait along to his offspring Finn.

Without Duke's influence in the herd, Koa has become increasingly uptight and letting his hormones get the better of him, manifesting as taking offense at little stuff and launching attacks on his pasturemates. After considering that Koa's best attributes are not prepotent, and taking into account that 75% of Koa's once-under-represented ancestry has become much more common in the pack llama breeding pool (and the 25% still-uncommon ancestry is present in both our next-generation primary stud Ouray and his sidekick Seedskadee), it's obvious we should castrate Koa and make his life (along with everyone else's) much more enjoyable. Koa's "brain surgery" will take place after fly season (late fall) 2025.

Koa's bond with Gwen ensures that his forever home is right here at Lost Creek Llamas.

Koa is a tree in the acacia family, endemic to Hawaii. It is unique in many ways, including being nontoxic (having evolved in the absence of large herbivores). The word "koa" is native hawai'ian and means "strong", which Koa definitely embodies.

Meet Koa's offspring: