Baby Ballston Spa Llama video goes viral, seen by millions
BALLSTON SPA, NY (WRGB) - Not even two weeks old, and a baby Llama from Ballston Spa is already a viral sensation! It's all thanks to a video on TikTok that's already been seen 26 million times!
Her full name is 'Splash of Joyfulness,' but her nickname is Nessie. This beautiful black and white llama with a set of magical dark blue eyes is the newest addition at Dakota Ridge Farm. Owner, Katrina Capasso, has been sharing pictures and videos of Nessie on social media since her birth. Since the pandemic began, many have said that the images are refreshing to see during such hard times.
"We wanted to name her something happy because people say how happy she makes them feel." Katrina says. "And she got their mind off of what was happening with the pandemic and everything."
Recently, Nessie had to have surgery. Right after she was born, Katrina noticed Nessie was urinating through her umbilical cord. It's an issue common in horses and cows and can usually correct itself with antibiotics. But when that didn't work, Nessie and her Mom, Willow, traveled to Cornell University for surgery to fix the problem.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, Katrina was unable to go into the sterile facility. After a successful surgery, she was waiting outside when the two llamas emerged, and took a short video which she uploaded to the app, TikTok. The video, which is only a few seconds, features a medical staffer carrying Nessie while Willow walks alongside.
"It took me a while to learn it but I finally figured it out." Katrina says of using TikTok. "And I found a song that I really liked. From there, it went crazy. It went viral."
And by viral, it was viewed almost 26 million times off Katrina's TikTok and Instagram handle 'llamakat.'
"I thought it was a mistake." She says. "I think my sister told me first and that's how I found out. Then I kept watching it and my phone was making all these noirses from everybody commenting and sharing on there."
Katrina says the most common questions were 'what is it?' and 'is it for sale?' What really struck her was the reaction from viewers saying how good it made them feel - some going as far to say it made them cry.
Katrina admits she's new to TikTok but finds it a great way to connect and share her love of llamas with others while her business is closed during the pandemic. She's also been doing Facebook live sessions on Dakota's Ridge's Facebook page. So, needless to say, Nessie has been getting a lot of views while she recovers. She still needs a little more time before she can go out into the paddock and run around. Something she's desperately wanting to do!
Follow llamakat on TikTok to stay up-to-date with how Nessie is doing. You can also follow Dakota Ridge on Facebook or visit their website: www.dakotaridgefarm.com
