Camelid Fun Under the Trees ~ NWCF’s 2024 Fundraiser Event

Hosted by Crescent Moon Ranch, lunch by Bleu Bite Catering (sponsored by Glen Pfefferkorn)

100% of the funds went directly to Camelid Research

Llama and alpaca enthusiasts gathered in central Oregon in August to mingle with old friends and meet new ones. Green grass and a light breeze under the trees were just right for sharing, networking, education, and fundraising via a silent and oral auction and a paddle raise.

A special Thank You to Debbie and Scott Miller for making their ranch available for this Event. And to Rachel Oxley of Juniper Country Veterinary Services for masterfully coordinating all of the details. Also to our generous donors who continue to make further knowledge about camelid healthcare possible

Aligning with our Mission to raise funds to support education and medical research for the health and well-being of camelids worldwide, we invited OSU veterinarians whose projects we have funded to share with us:

Erica McKenzie DVM, specializing in Internal Medicine with an emphasis on Cardiology



Currently on a cardiology sabbatical (partially self-funded), Dr McKenzie is working on an in-depth study to establish what is “normal” about the camelid heart in order to better determine what is “abnormal”. Such as heart murmurs ~ they are often genetic but can be acquired. By recording ultrasound images, a 3-d image of abnormal hearts can be printed for further study. She passed around an example for us to see the obvious enlarged artery connected to the wrong ventricle.

Dr. Mckenzie is collaborating with a board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Joan Slack at New Bolton Center (University of Pennsylvania).  Besides bringing her expertise in cardiology, Dr Slack’s involvement opens up the opportunity to enlist many east coast animals in the study. This collaboration also made possible the joint funding of the project with GALA (Greater Appalachia Llama and Alpaca Association).

The study involves thirty healthy llama and alpacas of both genders and in a broad range of ages. The animal is placed in a chute where the ultrasound of the sides and bottom of the chest can be done without sedation. Then an echocardiographic monitor is attached for 24 hours, which they also tolerate fairly well.

This research is also important for student training and as they mentor forward to their classmates. It also relates to other large animal species since the ultrasound unit can also be used on tendons in horses. The expensive new-technology unit was able to be purchased in part by NWCF financial support. Donations matter!

NWCF is excited to offer this opportunity to share the ongoing medical research efforts with owners from around the PNW!

2023 Camelid Conference

Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine | Magruder Hall

700 SW 30th Street, Corvallis, OR 97331

Saturday, May 13, 9 am – 4 pm *

* Check-in begins at 8:30 am and an optional tour of the Veterinary Hospital will begin at 4 pm.

Registration Fee: $25 per person which includes lunch. Click here to register.

This is your chance to get updated on recommended healthcare techniques from local veterinarians and to hear the latest updates from camelid researchers from around the world.

Conference Schedule

Sharing Camelid Collectibles is a small part of the fun we have raising money for research.  Do you have artwork or other valuables that are suitable for oral or silent auction?  We welcome donations!  Please email Peggy Gresham llamacollection@msn.com with the description of your items or call (360) 907-5298.

Thank you for helping to make this fundraising effort a success; our ability to fund camelid research and our commitment to support for future veterinarians depends on your support!

Click here to register for the 2023 Camelid Conference