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Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Inca civilization and played a central role in the Inca culture that was located in the high mountains of South America. Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5000 years and their popularity is now becoming internationally recognized. There are approximately 3.5 million alpacas living in South America's Andean highlands in Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Alpacas are beautiful, gentle, intelligent, fleece-producing creatures. Enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world, alpaca fiber comes in more natural colors than any other fiber. In the camelid family, related to the llama, alpacas are modified ruminants utilizing their food and water very efficiently. Alpacas are odor free as they confine their dung piles to just a few areas.
There are approximately 61,879 registered alpacas in the entire United States, of which, the rare suri number only 11,337. There are also a total of 5,667 registered Alpaca Registry Owners in the United States of which 114 are in Maryland. There are 1,723 alpacas registered in Maryland of which 832 are suris. Alpacas are friendly and pleasant, clean and fastidious. They are easily trained and are gentle around children. Alpacas are easy to care for, and require less food than other farm animals. One acre of land can sustain 5-10 alpacas. They stand about three feet tall and weigh on average between 130 and 150 pounds. They live for 15-20 years and can produce offspring once a year. And, alpacas produce a highly desirable fiber that is soft and light like cashmere yet warmer, more durable and more comfortable than other fibers.
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There
are two different breeds of alpacas: Huacaya and Suri. The more
common Huacaya have full, fluffy, crimped fleeces and are known
for their cute "Teddy Bear look". The unique rare Suri
alpaca has long silky lustrous locks which hang downward creating
a draped elegant appearance. Suri fiber is prized and commands higher
prices in the world markets because of it's luster and fine hand.
Both Suri and Huacaya fiber are used throughout the world for the
very warmest and finest quality garments. Alpaca fiber does not
contain lanolin or any other oily body secretion. It can be worn
by persons allergic to wool. Alpacas, when placed in a show ring,
do not require grooming. Their fiber is simply picked clean.