Gerg the Llama

**Gerg "The Llama" McWilliams** better known as **Gerg the Llama** is a character original to Universal Studios, frequently referenced in easter-eggs at Universal's *Tribute Stores*.

## History

### Background

Gerg McWilliams better known as Gerg the Llama was a llama featured in the amusement park "Earl's North of the Border" as part of Earl the Squirrel's Petting Zoo. Earl and Gerg appear to be frequent companions, at least in Earl's merchandise and paraphernalia. Gerg also appears to be a saxophonist who played Jazz in New Orleans while accompanied by *The Matte Finish Orchestra*, and did a performance in the *Peacock Room* venue.

## Appearances

### Tribute Store

#### Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store

In the 2022 Tribute Store, a sticky-note said "Get Birthday Card for **Greg**".

In the 2023 Tribute Store's Boris Shuster section, there was a flyer saying to join the G.E.R.G. (Geochronological Error Regulators & Ghosthunters) which fights "Time ghosts" and which had Gerg as their "Spokes-llama". In the window of this Tribute Store was the book "EARL THE SQUIRREL and GERG the Llama GO TO SPACE!". Towards the end of October, a Christmas package for Gerg was left in the window by Earl the Squirrel.

#### Holiday Tribute Store

Gerg is often mentioned on props as being a character who can be met at *Earl's North of the Border*. A Christmas decoration llama with "GERG" written on its collar tag appeared in the 2022 Holiday Tribute Store. Also in the 2022 Tribute Store, the poster for Earl the Squirrel's "Trapper Hat Observation Tower & Petting Zoo!" mentioned Gerg the Llama returning to Earl's North of the Border to celebrate his birthday.

In the 2023 Holiday Tribute Store, the silhouette of Gerg appeared on a map. On the community board was a post-it-note saying "Don't forget holiday card for Gerg". A neon light likeness of Gerg was in the Earl section along with the Christmas decoration sculpture of him.

#### Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store

A llama mug prop appeared with a sticky note saying "Don't touch GERG's mug" along with a drawing of Gerg in sunglasses on a board.

#### Mardi Gras Tribute Store

The 2023 Tribute Store had a signed, black-and-white photograph of Gerg in a fedora playing the saxophone. Flyers identified him as Gerg "The Llama" McWilliams and promoted him playing with the The Matte Finish Orchestra at the *Peacock Room* venue.

#### Summer Tribute Store

The Tribute Theater included reference to the birthday party of a "**Gregory**".

## Trivia

* Gerg's surname may be a tribute to Brendan McWilliams who is involved with the prop design at Universal Studios Orlando and the Tribute Stores.

## References

1. ↑ https://touringplans.com/blog/s6\_hhn31\_tribute\_store/
2. ↑ https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2023/08/31/photos-tribute-to-terror-hhn-store/
3. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2023/10/tribute-store-moving-back-to-hollywood-for-the-holidays-frame-for-facade-set-up-and-teasers-appear/
4. ↑ https://universalparksnewstoday.com/2022/11/photos-video-tour-all-four-themed-rooms-of-the-2022-holiday-tribute-department-store-at-universal-studios-florida/
5. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2023/05/photos-video-jurassic-park-30th-anniversary-tribute-store-opens-at-universal-studios-florida/
6. ↑ https://touringplans.com/blog/the-saturday-six-looks-at-universals-latest-tribute-store-the-making-of-jurassic-park/
7. ↑ https://touringplans.com/blog/the-saturday-six-looks-at-universals-mardi-gras-2023-tribute-store/