Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years. Treasured by the ancient Inca civilization, they provided a luxurious fibre reserved for royalty. While the alpaca was traditionally a lowlands grazer, the Spanish conquest saw much of the alpaca population slaughtered to make way for sheep and cattle. The remaining stock fell into the hands of peasant farmers living at four to five thousand metres above sea level, on the high Altiplano of the Andes. The Spanish conquistadors failed to see the value of alpaca fibre, preferring to use animals from their native Spain. The alpaca, a wonderful animal, survived because of its importance to the Indian people and its incredible ability to live at high altitudes and under extremely harsh conditions which cannot sustain the life of other domestic animals. Alpacas and the amazing properties of their fibre, were rediscovered by Sir Titus Salt of Bradford in the mid 1830’s and the alpaca regained its prominence with the foundation of the mills and community at Saltaire. Alpacas - The Basics Life Span : 15 to 20 years Average Height : Around 3ft at the withers (1 metre at the shoulder) Average Gestation : Usually between 11 to 12 months. Births normally occur during daylight hours and twins are extremely rare. Colours : Alpacas come in 22 basic Colours, with many variations and distinctive markings.
Contact Anne Coombs on 01598 753654 or Philippa Simmons on 01271 882301 email:
info@altalynalpacas.co.uk
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