About Alpacas

Alpacas are members of the camel family. They are indigenous to the Andes Mountains and are related to the camel, the llama and the two undomesticated camelid species of South America, the vicuna and the guanaco. While they have been raised throughout South America for thousands of years, it wasn’t until 1980 that the first 10 (non-zoo) alpacas were imported into the United States. There are currently over 150,000 registered alpacas in the United States.

Huacaya Alpaca	There are two breeds of alpaca, the huacaya (pronounced wa-ky’-ah) and the suri. The primary difference between the two is their fiber. The huacaya has “fluffy” fiber and is frequently described as cute and cuddly while the suri has silky fiber that drapes in rope-like locks and is considered elegant in appearance. Huacayas make up approximately 90% of the world’s alpaca population.	Suri Alpaca

Suri Fiber	The fiber of both is extremely soft and is most often compared to cashmere. It is warmer than sheep’s wool, yet only 1/3 the weight. It contains no lanolin and is naturally hypoallergenic. In the ancient Incan civilization, clothing from alpaca was reserved for royalty. Alpacas are sheared once a year, in the spring, both for their health and to harvest their luxurious fiber. The weight of an adult alpaca averages between 110 to 200 pounds or about one third the size of a llama. They stand approximately 35” at the withers and their lifespan runs 15 to 20 years.

An alpaca baby is called a cria. Gestation averages 11 ½ months and normal birth weight falls between 14 and 22 pounds. Alpacas are extremely intelligent, curious animals. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to own these animals can tell you they are unlike any other and there is a certain amount of passion involved in taking care of them and interacting with them.		Llama with Cria
Curious Alpacas	They are not particularly physically affectionate but they are always curious and interested and they love children and seem to have a special connection with them.

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