Firefighters Rescue Llama Stuck in Pond

RED SPRINGS (AP) — Over the years East Texas firefighters have performed a wide variety of rescues. But, yesterday’s had to be a first. Firefighters used their rescue skills to save a llama stuck in a muddy pond for at least a day. Red Springs volunteer firefighters freed the llama at midday Friday.

Lt. Charles Wilson says a passer-by reported seeing the animal in water up to its neck. Wilson says the 250-pound llama apparently got stuck Thursday, a day when temperatures topped 100 degrees. Employees of the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler helped ease the llama’s feet from the bog, then the creature was pulled out. The owner took the weakened llama to a veterinarian. Wilson, who’s been a firefighter for 42 years, told The Associated Press that he’s saved horses and cattle, but this was his first llama rescue, and he feels good about it.