The alpaca is raised only for its very fine fleece. Llamas, on the other hand, are raised as beasts of burden. Adult llamas weigh about twice as much as alpacas (who average one hundred forty to one hundred ninety pounds) and, on average, are two feet taller than alpacas.

Alpacas were imported from the South American countries of Chile, Bolivia and Peru. (At this time, there are no current plans for future imports.) Alpacas are herd animals; therefore, they must live with the company of at least one other alpaca. The expected life span for an alpaca raised in North America is around twenty years. Breeders have a choice of two distinctly different types of fleece, Huacaya (Wa-Ki-Ya) or Suri. While some farms specialize in one or the other, there are MOPACA farms that raise both alpacas. The choice is yours.

The alpaca’s gentle nature and its smaller size make them easy to handle; they can be haltered and put on a lead. Not having hooves also means that there is little danger of being kicked and seriously injured. Children tend to get along very well with alpacas and often are involved in the day-to-day farm chores and in the show ring.

Why not plan a visit to a MOPACA farm near you and meet the alpacas