Llamas have a rich history dating back thousands of years in the Andean regions of South America. Domesticated from the wild guanaco, these camelids played a central role in the daily lives of ancient civilizations, carrying heavy loads across rugged mountain terrain.
What sets llamas apart is their remarkable resilience. They adapted to thrive in high altitudes, with thin air, wild temperature swings and limited food resources. Llamas also display strong social bonds and are known for their calm demeanor, which further supports their ability to withstand environmental and social stress.
Terry Rajendran fell in love with camelids during time she spent in Patagonia and began to assemble a llama herd here at home in Colorado. A few years ago, her son was diagnosed with cancer. She worked in the software industry and was constantly “Go, go, go!” She needed to slow down and realized her llamas might just be the answer.
“Out of bad things, sometimes really good things can come,” Rajendran says.
Luxy Llama
She approached Leigh Ann Wolfe, owner of Flying W Ranch and its acres of surrounding land, to ask if she might spare a patch of ground for a dream. Wolfe, the daughter of Flying W’s founders, agreed and Rajendran got to work building her vision.
Tucked into a majestic valley between the Flying W Ranch, Glen Eyrie and Garden of the Gods on the city’s west side sits a two-sided hut that shelters cozy seating and a giant clock with no hands. Two llamas peek over an adjacent fence, curious. After allowing them time to observe and get comfortable, Rajendran opens the gate to let Hector and Zorro into the visitor area. They sidle over, with Hector in the lead.
“He is the boss,” she says. A few minutes later, he nuzzles his face up next to Rajendran’s and she bursts into surprised laughter.
Parties, Corporate Events and… Therapy
These llamas are versatile—social, quirky and fun. They’re a bit smaller than horses, so less intimidating. That makes them the perfect companions for parties, corporate retreats and other events. Schedule a relaxing meet-and-greet in the enclosed area to feed and brush them or take them on a guided hike through the stunning landscape brimming with wildlife.
Every visit is private, customized and by appointment only. This is a place to unplug and connect with nature and, if desired, with oneself.
Turns out, llamas are excellent therapy animals.
“Sometimes, just going to the doctor isn’t always what you need,” Rajendran says.
For some, chatting with a therapist in the fresh mountain air or simply spending time among the llamas is part of a productive path to healing.
“There is some sort of magic that happens here,” Rajendran says. “It levels the playing field. No one cares—everyone can just be human. … People have a chance to hear themselves think. It gives them a chance to reset."
"It's not about Luxy Llama," she adds. "It's about the people that come and what they need."
Powerful Partnership
That realization has led to a unique partnership between Luxy Llama, Strata Med and the Milestones Resilience Care program at UCCS.
Strata Med Co-Founder and Owner Judy Mackey says treating the "whole person" means supporting not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being.
“Luxy Llama perfectly complements this vision by offering a unique form of therapeutic connection that nurtures both the mind and spirit,” Mackey says. “Interacting with the llamas provides a joyful, grounding experience—helping people unplug from the stress of daily life and reconnect with nature in a way that’s both calming and uplifting.”
Dr. Charles Benight, founder and executive director of the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS, has spent decades researching the human capacity to recover from trauma.
Milestones Resilience Care, a clinic operated by the Lyda Hill Institute, is a groundbreaking initiative focused on healing for individuals recovering from trauma, chronic stress or burnout. The clinic offers traditional trauma therapies, as well as massage, sound therapy, acupuncture, yoga, outdoor immersion, art therapy, and equine- and llama-assisted therapies. This holistic approach allows people to help choose what they think will best help them as they work through what happened to them and rediscover their inner compass.
“We put them back in the driver’s seat,” Benight says.
Strata, Milestones and Luxy… three entities working together to help people heal. Rajendran calls it the Mayo (Clinic) of the Rockies for trauma/mental health.
“The partnerships with both of those groups are really great,” Benight says. “We’re creating and generating some unique opportunities for care.”
Mackey agrees.
“Partnerships like this are helping to reshape the landscape of medicine and therapy by recognizing that care is not one-size-fits-all,” Mackey says. “True healing goes beyond simply treating or masking symptoms—it’s about addressing the root causes of illness or emotional distress through proactive, personalized approaches. The Luxy Llama program is a powerful example of how alternative therapies can be thoughtfully integrated into a broader treatment plan, offering patients new ways to manage trauma and stress while supporting long-term well-being.”
Luxy Llama:https://www.luxyllama.com/ | @Luxy_Llama
Strata Med: https://www.stratawell.com/ | @StrataWell
Milestones Resilience Care:https://milestones.uccs.edu/ | @UCCSResilience
Flying W Ranch: https://www.flyingw.com/ | @FlyingWChuckwagon | @FlyingWRanch_Co
“There is some sort of magic that happens here. ... People have a chance to hear themselves think. It gives them a chance to reset.”