Alpaca
Scientific name: Lama pacos
Alpaca are one of four species of South American camelid: Llama, Alpaca, Vicuna and Guanaco. Llama and Alpaca are domesticated, Vicuna and Guanaco are wild.
Alpaca are the smallest of the domesticated camelid species. They have a slender body and neck, a small head and large, pointed ears.
They are social animals that live in herds. These herds are not only composed of other alpacas but also include other species such as llamas, goats and sheep.
Alpaca produce a range of vocalisations such as humming, clucking, grumbling and screeching.
There is only one species of alpaca but two fleece types, these are referred to as breeds. They are the Huacaya and Suri alpacas, here at the zoo we have Huacaya. The Huacaya fleece type is commonly described as looking like a ‘teddy bear’ and the Suri type as looking like ‘dreadlocks’.
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At Noah's Ark...
We have 3 Alpacas... Zara, Little Louis and Annalee.
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Size Fact
Adult Alpacas can weigh around 55 to 65 kg.
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Food Fact
Alpaca are herbivores, eating only plants. They graze on leaves, wood, bark or stems.
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Fun Fact
There are two kinds of alpaca, the Huacaya and the Suri
Adopt Me
You can support our conservation efforts and help with the costs of keeping rare and wonderful zoo animals by adopting an Alpaca. Adopt an Alpaca for yourself or as a gift.
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