Alpaca Information

Since ancient times, the South American Andes Mountains have been the ancestral home to the prized alpaca. Their fleece was cherished by members of the Incan civilization and referred to as "The Fibre of the Gods", and their graceful herds of alpaca roamed the lush foothills and mountainous pastures. Unfortunately, in the 17th century, Spanish conquistadors killed a large part of both the Incan and alpaca populations, forcing the retreating survivors to seek refuge in the high mountain plains. Now Peru, Bolivia, and Chile are home to the largest percentage of alpacas in the world.

Alpacas are a member of the camelid family, which also includes dromedary and Bactrian camels, llamas, vicunas, and guanacos.

There are two different alpacas types, the suri and the huacaya. The suri has fibre that grows quite long and forms silky, pencil-like locks. The huacaya has a shorter, dense, crimpy fleece, giving it a very woolly appearance. they both have soft padded feet, making them gentle on their pastures.

The average height of an alpaca is 36" at the withers, and they weigh from 100 to 175 pounds, they have a life span of 15 to 25. years.

An alpaca's gestation period is 11 to 12 months and twins are extremely rare. A baby alpaca is called a cria.

Alpaca fibre comes in 22 colours and they are shorn for their wonderful fleece each year, which will produce 2 to 3 kilos of soft, warm fibre that is turned into the most luxurious garments.

Alpacas are one of the world's oldest domesticated breeds of livestock and have played a central role in the Andean cultures for five thousand years or more. They are able to tolerate harsh climatic conditions.

Alpacas tend to be most active in the morning and at dusk and they have excellent eyesight and will often spot things at long distance that humans are unaware of. They are extremely curious and can communicate with each other by humming and the use of body language, and have the most amazing big eyes with very long eyelashes.

In all they are a hardy species and a delight to have around with their gentle ways and enchanting looks.