We are a working hill farm on the shores of Ullswater. Come
and meet Cross Dormont's family members. Gilbert and Alfie.
Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years, the
Moche people of northern Peru often used alpaca images in their art. There are
no known wild alpacas, though its closest living relative, the vicuña (also
native to South America), are believed to be the wild ancestor of the alpaca.
Along with camels and llamas, alpacas are classified as camelids. Of the
various camelid species, the alpaca and vicuña are the most valuable
fiber-bearing animals: the alpaca because of the quality and quantity of its
fiber, and the vicuña because of the softness, fineness and quality of its
coat.
Alpacas are too small to be used as pack animals. Instead,
they are bred exclusively for their fiber and meat. Alpaca meat was once
considered a delicacy by Andean inhabitants.
Alpacas are social herd animals that live in family groups
consisting of a territorial alpha male, females and their young. They warn the
herd about intruders by making sharp, noisy inhalations that sound like a
high-pitched bray. The herd may attack smaller predators with their front feet,
and can spit and kick.
Not all alpacas spit, but all are capable of doing so.
"Spit" is somewhat euphemistic; occasionally the projectile contains
only air and a little saliva, although alpacas commonly bring up acidic stomach
contents (generally a green, grassy mix) and project it onto their chosen
targets. Spitting is mostly reserved for other alpacas, but an alpaca will
occasionally spit at a human.
Most alpacas do not like being grabbed. Some alpacas
tolerate being stroked or petted anywhere on their bodies, although many do not
like their feet, lower legs, and especially their abdomen touched or handled.
Alpacas make a variety of sounds. When they are in danger,
they make a high-pitched, shrieking whine. Some breeds are known to make a
"wark" noise when excited. Strange dogs—and even cats—can trigger
this reaction. To signal friendly or submissive behavior, alpacas
"cluck," or "click" a sound possibly generated by suction
on the soft palate, or possibly in the nasal cavity.
Individuals vary, but most alpacas generally make a humming
sound. Hums are often comfort noises, letting the other alpacas know they are
present and content. The humming can take on many inflections and meanings.
When males fight, they scream a warbling, bird-like cry,
presumably intended to terrify the opponent.
