A treasured llama reported missing last week from a local gun range where he had become the unofficial mascot has been found dead of natural causes.
The Victoria Fish and Game Protective Association, in Mill Bay just off the Malahat, took in Otis, also called Waldo, in 2015 after he was discovered wandering nearby.
Waldo lived next door but there was no fence and when the property’s owner moved on, the llama stayed. Members have provided for his care and ceased rifle or pistol practice when he’s within the shooting area.
“He was found this morning by a search party on VFGPA property,” the association said Sunday. “It appears to be natural causes and there are no signs he was injured or attacked by a predator.”
The association is extending “a large thank you” to all the community members who supported and shared news of the search. “It was truly heartwarming to see how many people’s lives he had touched over the years,” said the association.
“Waldo was loved by many and was a unique and welcome presence at the range during his time with us,” said the association. “He will be greatly missed.”
The association reported the llama missing on May 22 after he hadn’t been seen for a week.
Waldo was known to wander but “he hasn’t been returning for his food, which is unusual,” the association said earlier.
