Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years. In fact, there are no wild alpacas. The closest living species are the wild Vicuña, also native to South America.
Alpacas and llamas can (and do) successfully cross-breed. The resulting offspring are called huarizo, which are valued for their unique fleece and often have gentle temperaments and are suitable for pets.
Alpacas are social herd animals that live in family groups consisting of a territorial alpha male, females and their young. They are gentle, elegant, inquisitive, intelligent and observant. They like having their own space and may not like an unfamiliar alpaca or human getting close, especially from behind. They warn the herd about intruders by making sharp, noisy inhalations that sound like a high pitch burro bray.
Bailey – I am the bigger of the Alpacas, I like munching on the grass
Dec – I am a bit nervous and I like to follow Bailey around, he’s my best buddy!
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