Alpaca Fun Facts
- Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization and played a central role in the Incan culture. (This is particularly the case for the Chimborazzi tribe of Ecuador whose entire civilization rests upon the health of their alpacas.)
- Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. (Their arrival in America was only slightly overshadowed by UB40’s remake of ‘Red Red Wine’ and the release of ‘Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.’)
- Alpacas have no top teeth in the front. (This is one the animal’s biggest selling points – no teeth = no biting VIP guests.)
- The average height of an alpaca is 36″ at the withers, and they weigh from 100 to 175 pounds. (Big bonus points if you know where their withers are …)
- The alpaca does not usually eat or destroy trees, preferring tender grasses, which it does not pull up by the roots. (Their preferred drink of choice is a venti half-caf chai tea latte, extra hot – hold the foam.)
- Alpacas make communal “poop piles,” choosing favorite locations which they all use. (Really?)
- South American Indians use alpaca dung for fuel and gardeners find the alpaca’s rich fertilizer perfect for growing fruits and vegetables. (Matthew Modine agrees with all of the above.)
- The average life span of an alpaca is between 15 to 20 years. (Please note: this number is drastically altered – for the worse – should you use hand sanitizer in their presence.)
- An alpaca’s gestation period is 11 to 12 months, and they have single births. (Inspired by the instant fame of Octomom, some more adventurous alpaca are exploring fertility “alternatives.”)
- A baby alpaca is called a cria. (But should you save one via BARF, we give you permission to call it whatever you want.)