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 often kept in domesticated herds because of its soft hair/fiber which is spun into wool.