Alpaca

The alpaca is a domesticated species of South American camelid. It resembles a small llama in appearance. Alpacas were not bred to be pack animals but were bred specifically for their fiber. Similar to sheep wool, alpaca fiber is used to make knitted and woven items, such as clothing and other textiles. All alpacas can spit when they feel threatened, but this defense mechanism is usually reserved for other alpacas.

Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years, first bred by Andean peoples in Peru for their soft, warm fleece — prized because it comes in dozens of natural colors and, unlike sheep wool, contains no lanolin, making it hypoallergenic for many people. They’re herd animals with a strong social structure, communicating through a range of hums, and are generally gentle and curious around people. Alpacas also share a distinctive trait with other camelids: they have soft, padded feet rather than hooves, which makes them easier on pastureland than many other grazing livestock.

Meet our alpacas at Plumpton Park Zoo — plan your visit.