These exquisite creatures are the result of nearly 6,000 years of domestication by the natives of South America. Since ancient times, native Andeans have worn garments fashioned from the lovely alpaca as their prime source of clothing. The South American alpacas in Peru, Bolivia and Chile number in the millions. Since the first importation into North America in 1983-84 the North American herd has grown to over 20,000. Because of the wonderfully soft, lightweight fleece, alpaca has become a luxury fiber in demand worldwide, with most of the South American fiber production going to Europe and Japan.
Alpacas are very healthy and tend to be easy keepers.
They have padded feet that don't harm the ground and their grazing habits keep them from pulling grass out by the roots. They eat the equivalent of only one flake of hay per day if they are not grazing. Alpacas tend to create one or two communal dung piles, which makes it easier to clean up and to control disease. This also provides a healthier environment. Alpacas have a gentle nature, which makes them ideal for people to raise who are not already familiar with livestock.