Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Inca civilization and played a central role in the Incan culture that was located on the high Andean plateau and mountains of South America. Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and their popularity is only now becoming internationally recognized. Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool, it comes in more colors than any other fiber producing animal. This cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty, is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world.
Alpacas make good investments as well as practical pets. They are clean, safe, quiet, intelligent and disease-resistant. Alpacas have soft padded feet, are gentle on the land and can be easily transported in the family van. They make wonderful companions and great 4-H projects for a child.
The financial returns of owning a small herd of alpacas are generous. Alpacas can provide a satisfying addition to one's investment portfolio with the added benefit of encouraging a healthy lifestyle and family cohesiveness. It's easy to see that alpacas are a stress-free investment you can hug.
Alpaca owners enjoy a strong and active National Breed Association (AOBA) with a growing number of Regional Affiliates, a developing wool co-op and committees addressing every aspect of the industry.
The Alpaca Registry has a state-of-the-art system to document bloodlines and stringent screening for health and quality of imports. Alpacas must be blood typed in order to be registered. Virtually every alpaca in the U.S. is registered.
There are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya and the Suri. The lifespan of the alpaca is about 20 years and gestation is 11 months. Alpacas eat grasses, chew a cud, and manure clean-up is easy since alpacas deposit it in only a few spots in the yard. They are about 36" tall at the withers and weigh about 150 pounds, are gentle and easy to handle. Alpacas are being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad.
For more information and free brochure, call the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association at 1-800-213-9522 or write AOBA, P.O. Box 1992, Estes Park, CO 80517-1992.