Alpaca

Vicugna pacos

Animal Class: Mammals
Height: at shoulder: 33 – 40 inches
Weight: 121-143 lbs
Life Span: 15-20 Years
Diet: Wild: Grass
Habitat: Alpacas originated in the Andes of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, and northern Chile at elevations from 12,800 to 15,000 feet above sea-level. Alpacas are now raised by ranchers around the world.

Alpacas resemble their llama cousins but are smaller in stature. They have large eyes that peek out from under a long or bushy brow. They come in more than 16 natural colors with dark brown being the most common. The alpaca is valuable because of its soft hair/fiber which is spun into luxury wool.