Alpaca

Alpacas are animals domesticated in the high altitudes of South America thousands of years ago for their luxurious fleece. They are members of the Camelid family, which also includes camels, llamas etc. Alpacas come in 16 different colours ranging from white to black, beige to dark brown. People who are allergic to wool can often wear garments made of alpaca, which is as soft as cashmere.

Alpacas are herbivores. They eat pasture grass and hay.

Adult alpacas usually weigh between 50 - 90kg

Alpacas originate from South America. Recent studies have shown that there is approximately 70,000 Alpacas throughout Australia.

The females gestation period is approximately 335 days (11 to 11.5 months) and almost always conveniently give birth in the mid morning. Baby alpaca or “cria” as they are known, are usually around 6 to 8 kg when born and are usually walking and feeding within the first hour or two.