Celebrate the Alpaca

National Alpaca Farm Days offers an opportunity for the public to visit a nearby farm or ranch and learn more about the fascinating alpaca.

By Cindy Berman for Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
September 3, 2010
Youngsters adore their alpaca pets.
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Youngsters adore their alpaca pets.
courtesy Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
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Explore the alpaca livestock industry with a visit to a farm or ranch during National Alpaca Farm Days, September 25-26. Sponsored by the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA), the weekend is an invitation to visit their member farms and ranches in the United States and Canada.

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From meeting these beautiful, inquisitive animals in person to experiencing luxurious alpaca products at individual farm stores, there will truly be something for everyone.

While most alpaca farms welcome visitors throughout the year, National Alpaca Farm Days are sure to include special activities and educational opportunities. 

For a complete list of participating farms and ranches, visit the National Alpaca Farm Days website.

 

About Alpacas

Alpacas, cousins to the llama, are beautiful, intelligent animals native to the Andean Mountain range of South America, particularly Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The United States first commercially imported alpacas in 1984, and more than 150,000 ARI (Alpaca Registry Inc.) registered alpacas now reside in North America.

Two types of alpacas call the United States home. Although almost physically identical, the two types of alpacas are distinguished by their fiber. The Huacaya (wa-Ki’-ah) is the more common of the two and has a fluffy, extremely fine coat. The Suri is the rarer of the two with silky fiber that resembles pencil-locks.

Adult alpacas stand approximately 36 inches at the withers and generally weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. Alpacas are alert, intelligent, curious and predictable. Social animals that seek companionship, they communicate most commonly by softly humming.

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