Strange Animal Story

 (originally published April 11th, 2006)

The small town of Paucartambo, in Peru's Cusco Region, is the closest civilization to the monastery.

PERUVIAN MONKS CONFIDE IN LLAMA

PAUCARTAMBO, Peru - Monks at the monastery of St.Francis Solano in the Andes Mountains have taken a unique approach to confession for over six years.

Originally acquired by the church to provide wool and cheese, it wasn't until 1997 that the therapeutic value of the llamas was discovered. "Often, newcomers would be restless or discontent. We found that letting them work with the animals would take their mind off their problems and worry about taking care of someone else," said spokesman Juan Espinosa de Rodriguez.

Eventually, many of the monks came to regard the llamas as a source of solace. "At times, it can be important to speak your thoughts aloud," said Rodriguez, "Even if you know the one to whom you are speaking does not understand. It can help you to see that your problems are not so great."

Dr.Isabel Rivera de Padilla, an anthropologist from the nearby National University of San Marco draws comparisons between this practice and the shamanic traditions of the Incas, as well as the Jewish mystical tradition of the 'scapegoat', wherein an animal would be burdened with the problems and ills of the people and sent into the desert, taking those sins with it.

Specialists from the harbour town of Yurimaguas come in every fortnight to check on the llamas and ensure that they are healthy.

"Our chief concern," said Rodriguez, "was that they would wander off. However, because we feed them after morning and evening prayers, they will usually come when they hear the church bells being rung. In fact, it's become such a regular occurance, we've come to call it Drama Llama Ding Dong."