We went to an Alpaca farm close to Christchurch, as I love these beautiful animals. Today there are approximately 5000 alpacas and 270 registered breeders throughout New Zealand.
I sometimes call Alpacas lamas by accident but even though they are related, they are quite different. Lamas have longer ears and a longer face and they are roughly twice as big. They are used as pack animals and also for their meat. Alpaca's are kept for their fiber.
Alpacas are native to South America. They are camelids which means, members of the biological family of camelidae. Other members are Lamas, camels and dromedary
which you can compare with merino wool.
The second type of Alpaca, the Suri is rare. Their fiber is long and silky. 3% of Alpaca are Suri. In NZ however 10% of the Alpaca are Suri
The fiber of the Alpaca is used for jerseys, socks, baby clothing and blankets to name a few. I loved the stuffed animals in the shop and William bought a new jersey. The jersey on the photo is a small cute one for children.
Your post reminds me of my own visit to an alpaca farm. I even put the slideshow I made, on Youtube "Alpaca Farm in the Negev Desert" (my user name 7experiment). It was a lovely visit. The alpacas were not of light color as in your pictures but of dark color. I would go again but the farm is far from where I live, it's near a town called Mizpe Ramon, in the south part of Israel.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, your pictures are awsome.
Cool I'll see if I can find it
DeleteHi Marja - alpacas and llamas seem to have become popular in recent years to be kept in our climes ... lovely photos and descriptions of them you've given us ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHet zijn zulke prachtige dieren, en ze zien er erg vriendelijk uit.
ReplyDeleteWe zien ze hier tegenwoordig ook af en toe in een weiland, ze moeten de vossen weghouden van de koeien en runderen.
ReplyDeleteI love them too. And you don't see many black ones. Not around here anyway.
ReplyDeleteHI there! They are weird but very interesting animals! The clothing and toys look beautiful ! Have a lovely week
ReplyDeleteIn our trip to the store we pass a farm with sheep and one llama -yes, it herds the the sheep (grin). The grey Suri is beautiful, it must give beautiful wool! Have one alpaca jacket, the fleece kind, and it's so warm! Thanks you for the info shared with ALL SEASONS here! Have a beautiful week:)
ReplyDeleteThe things I learn! I had no idea there were so many in NZ, although I have seen a lot of them! Great photos and information.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful animals and their fibre is so soft.
ReplyDeletewe don't have them here
ReplyDeletetotally new to
they are so adorable
They are the sweetest looking animal. How could you not fall in love with those eyes! They might make good pets, but you'd have to have a big yard if they thrive best in a herd!
ReplyDeleteHier zie je ook af en toe wat alpaca's in een weiland lopen die men als huisdier houdt, maar nooit heb ik er zoveel gezien als bij jullie op die alpaca boerderij. Wat hebben ze toch een schattige koppies. De trui van alpaca wol zal best lekker warm zijn en mooi.
ReplyDeleteThey are so adorable and the attraction is in its beautiful structure and coat as compared to sheep!
ReplyDeleteHank
What cuddly looking animals. I've never seen alpacas before, so thanks for sharing the visit Marja.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful animals and I know there wool is so soft.. Thank you Marja for sharing these xxx
ReplyDelete