Alpacas are members of the camelid family. Indigenous to South America, they have been domesticated for thousands of years. The alpaca comes in two breed-types: Huacaya (pronounced wah-KIah) and suri (pronounced SOO-ree). Huacayas have fluffy, crimpy fleece that gives the animals a teddy bear-like appearance. Suris grow silky, lustrous fleece that drapes gracefully in beautiful pencil-locks. Both fleeces are soft and luxurious. Often confused with their cousins the llamas, alpacas and llamas are distinctly different animals. First, llamas are much larger, about twice the size of an alpaca, with an average weight of about 250 to 450 pounds, compared to an alpaca whose weight averages 100-200 pounds. Llamas are primarily used for packing or for guarding herds of sheep or alpacas, whereas alpacas are primarily raised for their soft and luxurious fiber.
The first alpacas were introduced to North America in the early 1980’s. Today, there are an estimated 160,000 registered alpacas across America—covering every state! Through the efforts of the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, events such as National Alpaca Farm Days has raised
awareness of this amazing livestock and is helping to create a vibrant industry based on the production of the alpaca’s valuable fleece.
Alpacas are a “green” machine. From their modest eating habits, protection of the pasture and their small grazing area, alpacas make perfect sense for today’s environmentally conscious owners. Plus, they make a true organic fertilizer that’s easy to spread or compost.