Paco the llama has been rushed to Cornell!

A llama standing outdoors near a wooden fence, with a barn and blue roof in the background, during daytime.

FEB. 14, 2026: This morning our caregivers arrived to find Paco lying down and listless. He didn’t have any interest in getting up for breakfast, and seemed to be feeling really unwell. Paco is 18 years old, which is pretty darn old for a llama. He has been with us for 8 years now, and it is both difficult and a blessing to be able to watch him and all his friends age. Aging means they are safe in sanctuary and will receive the best of care for their entire lives. But it also means that their health declines as they age, the same as yours or mine.

A black and white llama with large ears, lying on a bed of straw inside a wooden-walled animal transport truck, wearing a halter.
A llama and a veterinary professional stand in a tiled room with medical supplies.

UPDATE:

FEB. 16, 2026: It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our beloved Paco the llama passed away peacefully yesterday. He was nearly 19 years old.

On Saturday morning, Paco was rushed to the hospital after showing signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. After a full 24 hours of diagnostics, the vets told us it was likely that his entire lower GI tract was full of cancer, and that he was not strong enough for treatment. Despite the expert care he received, Paco declined very rapidly and told us it was his time to rest — and he did so peacefully, surrounded by love and the compassionate hands of those who cared for him deeply.

As we say goodbye and grieve this heavy loss, we’re also working to cover Paco’s final hospital expenses. If you’d like to help honor his memory and support the care that gave him comfort in his last days, you can contribute to his medical fund at the button below. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue providing compassionate care to all of our animal friends.

We loaded Paco up in our van and took him straight to Cornell. They immediately started ultrasounds to see if he had any sort of blockage, and started running bloodwork. After hours of diagnostics, it was found that he had fluid in his abdomen and parts of his digestive tract were very inflamed. We do not know yet what is causing the inflammation; it could be as simple as IBS, or as complex as cancerous tumors.

Bar chart showing Paco's fundraising goal with a red segment representing $1,900 out of a $4,000 goal, and a percentage of 48%.

The estimate that Cornell has given us is almost $4,000. We want Paco to have more comfortable years with us and his llady llamas! Can you help us give him that?

3% Cover the Fee

Goal: $4,000 Current: $1,900

Thank you for helping us care for these amazing souls at all stages of life. We couldn’t fulfill our promises to them without your help.

To donate by check

Checks can be made out to Sweet Farm Foundation, 210 Hall Rd., Himrod, NY 14842