In the serene landscapes of Wyoming, a unique sanctuary is emerging, blending the rustic charm of a ranch with a noble mission. Al Ellis, an 84-year-old Navy veteran, is transforming his 207-acre property into a haven for veterans and first responders, where they can find solace and companionship with llamas.
Ellis, who shared a vision with his late wife, Sondra, to create a llama refuge, donated his land in Sublette County to the Boulder Crest Foundation. This organization, led by veterans, aims to provide therapeutic support to those who have served. “We want other people to enjoy this space — people who deserve it, people who we owe something to,” Ellis stated in an interview with Cowboy State Daily.
A Journey Defined by ‘Butterfly Moments’
Ellis’s life has been a tapestry of what he calls “butterfly moments,” starting from his childhood in San Francisco, where he learned to fish, to his enlistment in the Navy at 17. His naval adventures, including a tense encounter with a reef off Australia’s coast, ignited his passion for diving, leading him to become a competitive spearfisherman. This path eventually brought him into the abalone and sea urchin industries, marking significant milestones in his journey.
In 1982, after retiring from diving, Ellis and Sondra moved to Wyoming, drawn by its mountainous allure. Inspired by an article about mountain pack llamas, Ellis quickly became enamored with these gentle creatures, leading to the establishment of a llama trekking venture in the Rockies. His herd expanded, as did his passion for ensuring their survival and promoting them as pack and show animals.
A Vision for Veterans
Upon relocating to Boulder, Wyoming, the Ellis family grew their llama population to around 200, integrating them into their life and work. However, as age caught up, Ellis decided to retire and focus on a new mission inspired by a Fox News segment featuring veteran Johnny “Joey” Jones. This connection led him to Ken Falke, co-founder of the Boulder Crest Foundation, who shared Ellis’s enthusiasm for supporting veterans.
Falke and Ellis, both Navy divers, quickly formed a bond over their shared experiences. “As soon as I met him, it was like ‘Wow,’” Falke remarked. Recognizing the high veteran suicide rate in Wyoming, Falke’s organization aims to extend its mental health services across the region, using llamas to aid in therapy.
The Boulder Crest Foundation plans to build a bunkhouse for their Warrior PATHH program on Ellis’s land, despite initial local opposition. Viewing the llamas as therapeutic companions, Ellis believes their presence will bring joy and healing to those who visit. “Watching baby llamas play when they’re in a group is 100% contagious,” he noted.
Ellis reflects on the remarkable series of events that have brought him to this point. “I’m not religious,” he said, “but all these points come together. Boulder Crest could accept it and I could give it. It’s unbelievable.”
