Liples, a wheelchair basketball standout at 14, has forged a bond with the Explorers. “As much as he’s benefited from it, there’s no question who has benefited more,” coach Fran Dunphy says.

The selfie- and snuggle-loving llama called Whitetop is 27 years and more than 250 days old — and loves his job.

Families are among those marching on March 7 to defend diversity, restore federal funding and end political interference in science.