Meet the world's oldest llama: A gentle guardian for chronically ill children

For nearly two decades, a special llama named Whitetop has been bringing joy and comfort to chronically ill children in North Carolina. Now, at 27 years and 250 days old, Whitetop has officially made history. According to media reports, Guinness World Records recognized him as both the oldest llama in captivity and the oldest llama in captivity ever, surpassing the previous record-holder, the late Dalai Llama.
Whitetop has been a cherished resident of Victory Junction, a camp founded by race car driver Kyle Petty in honor of his late son Adam. The camp provides life-changing experiences for children with serious illnesses—completely free of charge. Since arriving in 2006, Whitetop has become a familiar face for campers, offering not just adorable selfies but a calming presence for those who need it most.

"He is so good with our campers that as soon as camp starts, he just lays down and doesn’t get up until lunch," Victory Junction’s barn director, Billie Jo Davis, told Guinness World Records. "He treats it like a job—it is his job!"
As part of Victory Junction’s Animal Adventure Program, Whitetop spends time with kids between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Campers are encouraged to pet, groom, and bond with him, an interaction that can provide essential sensory input for children with various medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and genetic disorders.

"He really helps campers come out of their shell," Davis explained to the Associated Press. "At first, he can seem a little intimidating, but once they pet him, they realize how sweet he is."
Whitetop shares the 84-acre camp’s barnyard with a variety of animals, including horses, goats, rabbits, donkeys, and a miniature Highland cow named Gus-Gus. Despite his old age, Whitetop remains an integral part of the camp’s daily activities. He’s even become a star—his face appears on a limited-edition t-shirt featuring the phrase "Still Spit’n," with proceeds benefiting the camp.
His remarkable lifespan is rare, as the average llama lives around 15 years, according to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. To celebrate his longevity, Victory Junction is planning a special party in his honor, complete with his favorite treat: a bucket of llama feed mixed with senior horse feed and dry Probios.