A llama with distinctive buckteeth, known for bringing comfort to children with chronic illnesses at a North Carolina camp established by a NASCAR family, has officially been recognized as the oldest living llama in captivity.
At over 27 years and 250 days old, Whitetop—a llama that enjoys both snuggles and selfies—recently claimed the Guinness World Record, surpassing the previous titleholder, Dalai Llama. Dalai, who resided on a ranch in Albuquerque, had been declared the oldest in 2023 shortly after reaching the age of 27.
Whitetop became a part of Victory Junction in 2006, just two years after the camp was founded by race car driver Kyle Petty and his family. The camp was established in memory of Kyle’s son, Adam Petty, who tragically lost his life at 19 in a racing accident in 2000.
Located in Randleman, North Carolina—about 75 miles (121 kilometers) west of Raleigh—Victory Junction spans 84 acres (34 hectares) and provides a cost-free, year-round experience for children facing serious medical conditions. Campers include those with cancer, heart and kidney diseases, cerebral palsy, Spina Bifida, and a range of neurological and physical disabilities.
Known for his calm and affectionate nature, Whitetop has a natural ability to put campers at ease. His signature move is simply lying down while children pet him, offering them a soothing and sensory experience, explained Billie Davis, the camp’s barn director.
“He helps kids break out of their shells when they interact with him,” Davis said. “At first, he might seem a bit intimidating, but once they get close, start petting him, and see how gentle he is, they become completely comfortable.”
One of Whitetop’s closest companions is a miniature Highland cow named Gus-Gus, who often forgets that Whitetop isn’t a fellow cow and frequently jumps on him. Whitetop also enjoys rolling in fresh wood shavings, munching on soaked alfalfa, and striking the perfect pose for selfies.
“If you try taking a side-angle picture of him, he’s not into it,” Davis shared. “He’ll actually shift himself so his face is positioned just right, as if he’s smiling for the camera.”
Davis credits Whitetop’s impressive longevity to excellent veterinary care, consistent physical activity, and his genuine love for interacting with campers.
While llamas typically have a lifespan of around 15 years, according to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Whitetop has significantly surpassed that average. Despite developing arthritis in his later years, he remains in good health. The only thing that ever seems to bother him, Davis noted, is when Gus-Gus and his two miniature donkey friends, Jed and Jethro, leave him behind.
Stephanie Wilkerson, now 33, first visited Victory Junction in 2006 during a family weekend after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Initially hesitant around Whitetop, she quickly realized that petting and hugging him made her feel at ease.
“The more I stroked him, the more relaxed I felt,” said Wilkerson, a resident of Thomasville, North Carolina.
To celebrate Whitetop’s milestone achievement, the camp has released a limited-edition T-shirt featuring an image of the llama wearing sunglasses, along with the phrase “Still Spit’n.” Proceeds from the sales support the camp’s mission.
However, Davis pointed out that Whitetop would likely want to clear up a common misconception about llamas.
“Llamas don’t just spit at people for no reason,” she explained. “They typically only do it when they’re scared, uncomfortable, or trying to protect something. But Whitetop loves his job too much to bother with that.”