In the realm of extraordinary animal stories, Whitetop, a 27-year-old llama residing at the Victory Junction camp in North Carolina, has captured hearts and headlines alike. Recently crowned the world’s oldest llama in captivity by Guinness World Records, Whitetop has become a beacon of comfort and companionship for chronically ill and disabled children attending the camp. Victory Junction, founded by NASCAR legend Richard Petty and his family, serves as a year-round sanctuary for children diagnosed with various serious health conditions, providing them a unique experience away from the challenges they face daily.
Whitetop’s gentle demeanor and empathetic personality have made him a beloved figure at Victory Junction. Often referred to as “the bucktoothed llama,” he has a special ability to soothe the anxieties of campers by simply lying still, inviting them to pet and interact with him. According to Billie Davis, the camp’s barn director, Whitetop has a remarkable talent for coaxing children out of their shells. Initially, some kids may find him a bit intimidating, but once they approach him and experience his affectionate nature, they quickly learn how sweet he truly is.
His journey at Victory Junction began in 2006, just two years after the camp’s founding in Randleman, North Carolina. This philanthropic venture was established to honor Richard Petty’s son, Adam, who tragically lost his life in a racing accident at the young age of 19. The camp is nestled on 84 acres in the Petty family’s hometown and caters to children facing challenges such as cancer, heart disease, cerebral palsy, Spina Bifida, and various other neurological and physical limitations.
Whitetop has formed special bonds at the camp, including a notable friendship with Gus-Gus, a miniature highland cow who innocently forgets Whitetop is not his size and often jumps on him. As they frolic in their shared environment, Whitetop enjoys rolling in fresh wood chippings and snacking on soaked alfalfa, all while delighting visitors with his charming antics. Children love taking selfies with Whitetop, who has a humorous quirk of wanting to present his best side for pictures, cheekily maneuvering for an ideal shot.
Veterinary care and active engagement with the campers have been vital in contributing to Whitetop’s longevity, as the average lifespan of a llama is around 15 years, according to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. Despite developing arthritis in his older age, he remains in good health and only expresses discontent when his friends Gus-Gus and two miniature donkeys, Jed and Jethro, leave him unattended.
Whitetop’s fame has led to the introduction of limited edition T-shirts featuring him donned in sunglasses with the playful phrase “Still Spit’n,” with proceeds from the sales benefiting the camp. Significant to his personality, Davis emphasizes that not all llamas spit, which is often misconstrued; they typically do so only under stress or territorial situations. Whitetop, on the other hand, adores his job so much that he rarely shows such behavior.
Reflecting on her experiences, Stephanie Wilkerson, who visited the camp in 2006 after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, shares how interacting with Whitetop transformed her initial trepidation. She reminisces about how, as she began to engage with him, her nervousness dissipated, replaced by a sense of relaxation and joy.
In summary, Whitetop, the world’s oldest llama, embodies resilience and kindness at Victory Junction camp. His gentle presence has provided countless children not only with emotional support but also with uplifting experiences that help them navigate their health journeys with a bit more cheer. In a world often filled with challenges, Whitetop reminds us of the healing power found in companionship and love, making him an irreplaceable part of the camp and a lasting source of joy for all who visit.