The presence of livestock is necessary for a balanced order in nature. Animals return to the land what we take. Alpacas were chosen because they are gentle on the land and because their fleece can provide income and work through spinning and weaving.
Alpacas are members of the camelid family which also includes llamas, camels, guanacos and vicunas.
They are native to South America, specifically the Andes regions of Peru and Chile. Their average height is 36 inches at the withers. Their weight ranges from 100 to 175 pounds. Their average life span is 15-25 years. Twinning is extremely rare.