

Alpaca Country in Pennsylvania


Alpaca Monica

Mile 2 of Sipping Spirits will have to wait because now I’m in Alpaca country! No, not South America but a few minutes shy of Hershey Park, Pennsylvania.

I’m learning all about fiber-producing animals called Alpacas. First off, these gentle, curious and yes timid creatures love to munch on blond hair. While shooting from the ground a baby Huacaya nimbled on a few wayward strands. At first, it tickled until he started grazing! Ouch.

Alpacas are herd-oriented creatures and react together. They get extremely stressed or despondent being alone. They affectionately give kisses, can easily be trained and even do tricks.

The woman we’re documenting for a video is the President of the Alpaca Registry. Her and her husband own 40 “Suri” Alpaca.

The difference between Suri and Huacaya is that the Suri coat is pencil thin, almost like silk strands of hair with a beautiful luster and shine. It hangs down over their bodies beautifully. After shearing, the fibers go on to produce especially soft blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, and mittens. The fiber is much softer than wool.

Monica especially likes that her herd does all the mowing. They feed on the top layer of grass but refrain from digging or tearing up the property. They know enough to leave the roots so the grass can grow back again.

Because they are related to the camel, alpacas do spit but only in defense. They also stomp their front feet in anger and occasionally kick.

There are two pregnant alpacas at Monica’s farm that Tommy, my Producer, and I are hoping to videotape delivering babies. Alpacas can deliver in record time, under 5 minutes, so we have to be ready.

Okay, that’s today’s lesson on alpacas, as I now need to focus on capturing the labor process!

Categories: General
Sonja Stark

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  1. Aaron says:

    You lucky, lucky girl! Alpaca is my favorite fiber to work with.