Year 1- 7 alpacas rescuedYear 2- 15 alpacas rescuedYear 3- 15 alpacas rescuedYear 4- 20 alpacas rescuedYear 5- 28 alpacas rescued2019 first 5 months, 75 alpacas rescued...
We moved to Sequim in summer 2023 , we are family of 4 and had lived in many places( domestic and overseas ). One day we saw a post on social media about the Olympic alpaca/llama rescue and because we had some exposure to the animals when we were trekking Inca trail , we decided to pay a visit .
We were so amazed by the size of the rescue .
Of all the countries , cities we had visited , we never had seen something like this
The biggest rescue with onsite medical care in US . We learned the difference between Alpaca/llama , how to care for the animals and their fleece .
We had since been volunteering whenever we can . Feeding , winterization , cleaning the poops and conduct medical checkups
It was a fulfilling experiences knowing the animals are not what people think of them - spitting ( we actually have not been spit on )
Working with the animals also helped my two kids (16 and 11 ) understand about farm works and the chores are not easy ! The youth program allows children to work with animals and to showcase them as well
Its such a wonderful organization
I found this rescue by accident and from my very first day on the farm, I could see all the love each volunteer and member has for each llama and alpaca, they truly are a great rescue
Such an amazing experience overall. The alpacas all are so sweet and incredible, each have their own story and it was fun to be able to step into their world for a brief amount of time.
My daughter and I have been volunteering at the rescue since July 2023 ad welcomed 4 alpacas to our home from them in May 2024.
A wonderful organization who truly care about the animals in their care and provide support and training to adopters
I went there in Sept 2020 and i never stopped going. I love it. i have my own alpacas and have helped deliver baby alpacas and llamas. it’s the one place i love to go just to relax. photo was from 2020 when i first went there.
i been going there for 4 years now and don’t plan on stopping.
I volunteer at this rescue. The animals are treated with such love and care that the all thrive. It is very hard to say goodbye when they are adopted. We rescue the ill, the frail, the elderly, the pregnant and the recent mothers and their babies. We mixed a soup grain for those who don't have back teeth to chew. We chop up the hay into small pieces for those who are liable to choke. They all get fresh water daily and even a swimming pool to help them cool off in the summer. In the winter we button up their 3 sided paddocks to make sure they all stay warm, dry and cozy. Many rescues have never had human touch. Many have never been haltered or lead by a rein. We prepare them for their new homes, including wound care, castration, and disposition.
OPAR was very helpful and kind in the way they provided guidance to me recently. I'm thankful they're part of the rescue community.
This rescue is very important and the last resort for a lot of animals. This rescue has saved the lives of several animals who would possibly be put down otherwise. Here they get the care and medical attention they need, rehabilitation for rehoming and if they are medically unable to be adopted out they get to live out there lives at the rescue. Being a volunteer here has greatly enriched my life and being given the opportunity to love these animals and be a part of their lives is amazing.
Great place to volunteer and learn about alpacas and llamas. Great people own it and volunteer there. We are one big family.
Previous Stories
I have been volunteering at this rescue for 10 months now! I absolutely love working there! I had to learn the ropes first and after 14 weeks of training and learning what I needed to know I was promoted to also be able to work with an animal. My students are Starlin and Nico. They are adorable and I love working with them! I never planned to do something like this for my retirement years but it was meant to be. All my teaching background with children, dogs, horses and other animals have prepared me for these next chapters of my life. Thanks to Rondi, Greg, Amber, Annabelle , Maggie, Tara, Sophie,and Brielle for all your help and encouragement. Its been my pleasure to work with you as we all help these amazing animals.
Rondi Church S. 08/01/2023
We are so much better with your help
I'm 77 and have Long Covid. This makes it hard to care for my 4 senior llamas. Every month for 2 years my husband and I have asked each other if it's time to put our llamas down (assuming no one wants to adopt old llamas). My son suggested I call OPAR. I messaged them, they responded within 36 hours, told me there actually are adopters who prefer older llamas, and that they can assure the two dams stay together and the two geldings. Also, for a reasonable fee, they can transport them. She also suggested mine are not that old yet but on the other hand don't wait until they're too feeble to withstand a move. So we have another couple years with our beloved creatures and the peace of mind they will be taken care of when we truly can't do it any longer. THANK YOU!!!
Rondi Church S. 08/01/2023
We are always glad to help
We're so grateful for the amazing opportunity provided to our family to learn and help these wonderful animals.
Not only does the Llama/Alpaca rescue serve hundreds of abandoned and neglected animals every year, they also have helped me with my farm by loaning my heavy equipment llama chutes so I can better care for my animals, and they have stood by to assist on other health matters. They also coordinate wool processing and craft events that teach and engage the community in meaningful ways. These folks are really part of what makes this a strong community, I recommend them for any grant or non profit funding available so they can continue the ama big work they do.
Great people, very helpful. We took in 5 rescues from them and they even were able to deliver them to our house in Auburn CA. They inspected the property to make sure it was safe. We are truly grateful and enjoy our girls from them.
I have donated to this rescue many times. If the money is needed for something like medical care, I like the fact that updates are posted.
I follow this rescue on Facebook and I have attended their events many times. Some of those events take place at the rescue. The animals always appear well cared for and loved. I will continue to support this rescue.
My daughter and I had a wonderful visit there. We loved seeing the alpacas up close and learning about them. We hope to do it again sometime.
This organization is great! My kids often volunteer for Olympic Penninsula Llama/alpaca Rescue and have learned many skills and made friends as well. It is so nice to have a place where the whole family can volunteer together.
I came across this place on Facebook and we ventured out and went and checked it out. This place has become a place of peace for me.. I lost my son to suicide a few years back and this place has been helping me heal.. we love these animals so very much!!!
We first came to the rescue on a tour. We learned so much about Alpacas and Llamas and all the work that goes into their care! Rhondi and Greg and all the volunteers put their heart and soul into these animals! It takes a village! It is an amazing place. Visit, donate or volunteer, it is very rewarding.
We found the rescue while looking for therapy in horseback riding. This place has provided myself and my children so much love and education about the alpaca/llamas through their youth program and adult volunteer program. Greg and Rondi welcomed us with open arms. Between them and amber (who runs the youth program) there is very much a sense of inclusion and every person on this farm MATTERS to them. Their animals are SO loved (some may say spoiled ) whether they are here to stay for a bit, just stopping by for a quick hello then off to their new home or just here until their journey over the rainbow Bridge, every animal is treated with respect and dignity and given a wonderful life while residing on the farm. Tje amount of good things i have to say about olympic peninsula alpaca and llama rescue are endless!
I have donated to this rescue over the years as they took in two of my alpacas that needed rehoming from another farm. They have driven many, many miles to save alpacas and llamas in dire need of help. Their veterinary bills are often more than they can handle....but they will not let an animal die if there is a chance that animal could survive and thrive. They have done so much with young people......teaching them about caring for the animals.....having the children help with the training and medical care....it is an amazing learning experience for the children. I have judged the children and their alpacas/llamas in showmanship and obstacle course at their local fair......and seen the work these children have put into each animal. Because of the owners of the rescue, the volunteers and the children, alpacas and llamas are given a 2nd chance and a new lease on life.
I adopted 3 alpacas from Rondi and Greg last fall. When I visited their farm, it was obvious that they love what they do by providing the best care possible for animals that have had a hard, difficult, and traumatic life. When an animal can't be saved, they grieve deeply but with the knowledge that those animal's last days were with people who cared and gave comfort unconditionally. They work diligently to find forever homes for the alpacas and llamas that are healthy. I'm new to alpacas and they have been very supportive of me with their time and knowledge to make sure I'm doing my best for the alpacas I've adopted.
Our farm adopted 4 healthy alpacas from Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue back in September 2021. Rondi & Greg we’re wonderful to work with, you could really tell how much love, attention and medical care was given to these beautiful creatures. Every detail was thought of to ensure we would give the girls a loving and safe environment to live out there lives. Rondi assisted me in completing the application, educated me about do’s & don’t and really went above and beyond what I expected in terms of preparing us for the adoption. We already had sheep, goats chickens and one alpaca and llama. The 4 girls have continued to thrive here on our farm. The best thing is that if I ever have any questions or need assistance I know for a fact that I can reach out for support and receive help. Thank you! The Lawlor Family
When our neighbor moved and left a mini donkey and a llama behind, we did our best to help. I am familiar with equines so the donkey was easy...but I knew NOTHING about llamas. I searched the web and tried to find a local rescue or farm to help and got nowhere. I finally reached out to Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue and they were amazing. They responded immediately and gave me advice on how to help Francis (the llama), helped me get him released to me and then drove 900 miles to Idaho to come and get him. Since then they have gotten him to much better health and are adding him to the rescue as a therapy animal. I can't say enough good things about this group!
So, to start with I've loved alpacas for years. From the first moment I saw one in a tv show, I fell in love! I've always told my husband that I wanted to have alpacas. Years later, I run across Rondi, who runs I view as the queen mother of this rescue. I don't know how she keeps it all together but she does. This place is super clean and the animals are so gorgeous! Each time I've been out to the rescue the alpacas look so happy and they have such an amazingly large space to roam around on! There sweeties will walk right up to you. They are so curious. And, if you shake a bucket you better make sure you have some alpaca appropriate treats inside! Having watched the activity on the farm and seeing what Rondi and her cohorts must go through to take care of these lovelies, I know that at this point in my life, I can't do it. But, I really think that these sweet critters couldn't have landed in a more appropriate, safe and loving place if they had tried.
The devotion shown by Rondi and Greg is infectious. Not only do they provide the best possible quality of life for the animals in their care, their outreach helps local crafters meet new customers AND teaches youth these loving skills! I'm fortunate to have met them
This organization is well run and very conscientious, they have a great network of volunteers and have been doing some awesome work. We adopted two llamas from them and have appreciated the post adoption support and advice, Rondi always is quick to respond to my questions, and she is always on the lookout for more information and further education to provide the best care she can.
I have been watching this rescue grow from nothing to what it is now. WOW! They are very knowledgeable about what they are doing. And VERY dedicated. They have a lot of educational events for all ages, also have fun events at the rescue. I needed help with my aging llama and they were at my place in a moments notice. That's dedication and the love of the animal. Keep up the good work..........
Olympic Peninsula Llama Alpaca rescue (OPLAR) is dedicated to the welfare of llamas and alpacas and their owners when needed. In 2018, Rondi and her volunteers went to Idaho to pickup 20 alpacas in need of help. And help they did. They cared for, rehabilitated, trained, and found loving homes when the animals were ready for adoption. OPLAR continues their dedication to camelids today. They involve and educate the community as witnessed by the many volunteers and 4-H program. OPLAR coordinates with camelid associations and rescue groups in a wide area. OPLAR has many activities to accomplish their goals to provide a safe haven, rehabilitation center and re-homing program for camelids as well as education about care. As a board member of Southwest llama Rescue, Inc., I am comforted to know this organization is accomplishing their mission with love and sincerity.
This is the most compassionate group ever!! They work tirelessly beyond sun up to sun down! They even assisted me in the rehoming of my alpacas when I lost my husband and was unable to care for them. They found them a wonderful and loving home and helped me threw my losses. The founder of this program is beyond dedicated to provide top of the line care to all she encounters. Her team and volunteers are unmistakably the best people ever. I am so very grateful that they are able to help so many alpacas and their families.
Alpacas and people at Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue are content, calm, and enjoy their environment. I've participated in many events and it's always been a positive and enjoyable experience.
They are always knowledgeable and helpful. I'm glad I've gotten involved with this organization, keep up the great work.
I had several Llamas that had been abandoned on an adjacent property that I had took in. The Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue drove all the way to my place within a week to pick them up when I reached out to them for help. They are amazing , dedicated and caring people . Their approach to rescue and community involvement is innovative and should be modeled my more sanctuaries .
Their all about the animals they rescue. I have four rescues of my own. They rescue from places that have neglected or abused the alpaca and llamas and in turn get the help they do richly deserve. After careful consideration on their part these animals go to nice homes.
This alpaca/ lama rescue is such a loving life saver to many in need
I just wanna say kudos to all you do
I don’t have a personal experience but I have been following all the incredible things they do! Rescues are only the beginning! The love and care they put into each animal is unreal! The commitment to ensuring their good health, safety and happiness is humbling!
I attended an educational tour of this facility. The employee was knowledgeable, passionate and clearly devoted to the work of rehabilitation and rehoming these beautiful animals.
I’ve adopted alpaca from this rescue organization and not only are the animals healthy and rehabilitated, they have given me long term education and guidance to help me navigate through the alpaca ownership process. I’ve had alpaca for over 20 years and I still learn so much from these folks. I could not speak highly enough about how wonderful this rescue organization is. The owners Rhondi and Greg love these animals and they’ll do whatever is necessary to find these animals the perfect forever homes.
I've been volunteering at OPAR since October 2019. There's been so many amazing, fun and scary experiences I've had at the farm. Rondi and Kayla have taught me so much about alpacas and veterinary medicine. I want to become a veterinarian, so they let me help them whenever there is medical assistance needed. The two main owners of the farm( Rondi and Greg) are amazing people. They would do anything and everything to save an Alpaca or Llama. Going on rescue missions, adoption drop offs and pick ups, and fundraisers has made an ultimate experience for me. I've been able to watch all of these animals grow in size and in character. I would recommend this rescue to future adopters and volunteers! Theses animals are so fun to work with. I'm so glad that I can contribute to this amazing Rescue!
Last year they rescued some alpacas caked in mud head to toe. Within days of having them they looked clean and new. You could not tell these were the same Alpacas! I highly recommend this rescue!
Last year was a very bad year that culminated in having to give my alpaca herd. It broke my heart to let them go, and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Because Olympic Peninsula Alpacas Rescue was there to take the alpacas, I felt that the alpacas had a chance at a new life. I thank God they were there to save them and to find new homes for many of them.
The rescue was able to keep me updated on their progress and how they faired. It helped me tremendously.
Rondi Church S. 11/04/2020
We will continue to keep you appraised of their jouney.
This rescue is amazing! I have learned so much about alpacas just by following this rescue. Then I adopted Penny & Rhondi has literally held my hand through all things alpaca. It’s so obvious how much this rescue cares about every llama/alpaca. We truly need more non profit rescues like this.
Working with Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue has brought my daughter and I such joy and education. The Board and volunteers truly have a passion for the care and wellbeing of alpacas and llamas! I have never known them to give up on an animal that was neglected or very sick....we need more organizations that operate like OPAR. Thank you for everything you do, and I am so in love with the alpacas that I have adopted ❤❤
I've learned so much about alpacas working at the Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue. They are wonderful resources. Our family adopted 2 alpacas from the rescue so we had 3 alpacas when we started volunteering. They shared so much knowledge and continue to do so. They care for the animals while at the rescue and after they've been adopted. They want to ensure the alpacas have good forever homes.
I volunteer when they need extra help. I've gotten to help on shearing days and general maintenance days. Sometimes I've helped cut fiber off of rescued animals that came in a state of neglect.
Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue was amazing to work with! Rondi’s care and consideration of placing a llama in our care was wonderful. We highly recommend them to anyone looking to find a forever alpaca or llama! Thank you again for making our daughter’s dream of owning a llama come true!
The work Rondi and Greg do with these animals is top notch. The time and knowledge they gift to our local 4H is immeasurable.
The passion for the well-being of animals is evident within this organization! Always an advocate for alpacas and llamas in need and willing to go great length to assist where they can.
Love that they go beyond what they can do themselves and encourage the involvement by volunteers and are inclusive if children. They participate in 4-H and other groups in furthering to educate people about camelids and their needs. Through education they are encouraging the best practices in caring for these animals and hopefully that education serves to empower others to improve the lives of alpacas and llamas ❤️
Way back in the stone age (circa 94) the Navy transferred us up to WA. We bought a place on Camano Island and daily, would see 200+ alpacas and immediately fell in love.
Flash forward to Port Angeles (post retirement) and we found Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue...Rondi and Greg trained us and took us in to their family. Along the way, we adopted "The Lost Boys", 4 wonderful Huacaya geldings that continue to make us smile. As an addition, we also have a home for Danny Boy...a beautiful dark red Suri ... intact, ie: not gelded. He's a handful at times, but is also the first to feed and come up to you and say "HI".
This year, we expanded into helping with the 4H volunteers and watching these young leaders grow!! What an amazing group! Kids and critters...it don't get much better!!!
My family has always shared a love for animals and helping those in need. About a year ago, we found an alpaca on craigslist for sale, and scooped him up! Honestly, we knew nothing about camelids at that point, and quickly learned that they need other alpacas. We learned about the Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue and reached out to them to adopt. We found a beautiful white gelding and brought him home, and followed with a reddish brown spitfire early this summer. After adopting Ewok I became involved as a volunteer at the rescue, and have developed a wonderful relationship with the dedicated people who work so hard to give these animals good homes and great care. Rhondi and Greg have taught me so much and have been wonderful to teach me everything I want to know about alpacas. Today, I am the Vice President of the board, and am never turning back!!! The rescue is my haven, and our alpacas are my passion!
A few years back, my husband moved to the Port Angeles area. We had bought a 5 acre piece of land with a home, chicken coop with yard, barn and fenced in fields. We bought some chickens but we wanted some Alpaca's (2) So my husband did some research on the internet. He found Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue made an appointment to talk and see the Alpaca's. Rondi introduced us to the lost boys.(4 alpacas) I only wanted 2 But my husband and I fell in love and adopted all 4 of the lost boys. Since then we have been working with Rondi and the Alpaca rescue. Rescuing Alpaca's from California, Idaho, Oregon. Some of the females were/are pregnant. We brought/bring them back into good health with donations, volunteers and support from the community. We love watching them run and play in the fields at the rescue. Once they are healthy. The rescue will put them up for adoption Then we will see them off to there forever homes with check-ins. This is what this Nonprofit rescue does. Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue YOU are amazing!!!!
Couldn’t have two people more dedicated and selfless giving everything to help the beloved creatures.
The community 4H programs they have started, helping youth focus on positive activities not only helps the Alpacas but leads young people in a positive direction in life, and possibly saves some.
The dedication is amazing as I have seen it from inside the field from the beginning first hand.
Bravo to the brave and kind who give so much love.
My business works closely with Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue. I could not do what they do. The amount of work they put in... Its not just physical it’s emotional... Many of these animals have suffered... The working them back to health and the ups and downs of that journey... It’s amazing to watch but it involves so much.
10/10/2019 I first met Rondi with Olympic Peninsula Alpaca and Llama Rescue when I joined forces with the remarkable Gina of Moonrise Alpaca Shearing. The rescue had just taken in 60+ alpaca from a terrible situation. The animals were dirty, thin and grossly negligent in maintenance. Provisions were immediately made to rectify the mistreatments these animals had endured. There were shorn, toes trimmed, teeth filed, and nutritional needs satisfied.
I then saw the OPAL 4-H club at a county fair! I’m a firm believer that a few of the most effective methods to enforce change is through education and youth involvement.
This organization takes their mission of advocating and caring for animals in need very seriously. They are transparent in their motives and it’s easy to see through the many success stories that they are putting donations to use for the welfare of the animals.
I was inspired to get involved through the foster program. I took in two of the previously mentioned alpaca rescued from Idaho. When they arrived on my farm they were unrecognizable! They were no longer crusty, skinny and fearful. Instead they were clean, healthy and confident! Thank you for letting us be a part of your cause and thank you for letting us ADOOPT our two very special boys ❤️
I have been volunteering at the Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue for almost exactly a year. I am constantly impressed by the amount of time, energy and money that owners Rondi and Greg put into the rescue. They care deeply for every single animal, and can tell you the name, story and personality of each alpaca - even when we had close to 100 of them! Rondi and Greg never stop making improvements and in the 12 months that I have been volunteering I have seen so many positive changes made on a shoestring budget. They are dedicated to education and 4H programs and give back to the community in so many ways. Mostly importantly, the rescued animals thrive in this beautiful, loving environment. My Thursday volunteer day is the best day of my week... by far! I love this place.