Alpacas are members of the Camelid Family. They originate from the mountains of Peru, Chili, and Bolivia. The Inca rulers considered alpacas a national treasure and suri fiber was used exclusively for clothing for the ruling class. Alpacas were brought to America in 1984.
Suris are distinguished by their fiber. Their fleece falls in locks and is as fine and soft as cashmere with the luster of silk.
Huacayas comprise about 90 percent of the alpaca population. Their fleece has crimp, is woolly in appearance, and is easier to spin and knit since it has more "memory".
Alpacas are hardy, healthy, sociable animals. They should not be raised in isolation. They are sensible and gentle with children. The average height of an alpaca is 33 to 35 inches at the withers. Their average weight is 120 to 175 pounds (1/2-1/3 the size of a llama). Average life span is 20 to 25 years.
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