- 27-year-old llama certified as world’s oldest in captivity by Guinness World Records
- Has provided animal therapy at NASCAR-founded Victory Junction camp since 2006
- Specializes in sensory comfort for children with cancer, neurological disorders, and physical disabilities
- Maintains health through customized exercise routines and veterinary care
- Camp sells commemorative merchandise to fund operations
In rural Randleman, North Carolina, an extraordinary therapy animal is rewriting the rules of longevity and compassion. Whitetop, a 27-year-old llama certified as the world’s oldest in captivity, spends his days comforting children at Victory Junction – a specialized camp founded by NASCAR’s Petty family. The facility spans over 80 acres of therapeutic recreational space designed specifically for youth managing complex medical conditions.
Animal-assisted therapy programs like Victory Junction’s barn program demonstrate measurable psychological benefits. According to recent studies, interaction with therapy animals can reduce cortisol levels by up to 58% in pediatric patients. Whitetop’s calm demeanor proves particularly effective for campers with sensory processing challenges, with staff reporting increased verbal communication and physical engagement during sessions.
The llama’s unconventional friendship with Gus-Gus, a miniature highland cow, highlights interspecies bonding rarely documented in therapeutic settings. Their playful interactions serve as live demonstrations of empathy for young observers. Whitetop’s daily regimen of soaked alfalfa meals and monitored exercise sessions offers insights into longevity strategies for working animals – a growing focus area in veterinary gerontology research.
Victory Junction’s partnership model provides a replicable blueprint for similar programs. Since 2006, the camp has served over 90,000 children through fully subsidized stays while maintaining a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio. Regional healthcare providers now refer patients to the program as part of holistic treatment plans, with some families traveling from neighboring states specifically for llama therapy sessions.
Commemorative merchandise sales featuring Whitetop’s likeness have surged 140% since the Guinness announcement, with proceeds directly funding camp operations. The limited-edition apparel line cleverly addresses common misconceptions about llamas through humorous slogans, simultaneously educating the public about proper animal handling techniques.
