Alpacas are members of the South American Camelid Family.  This family is comprised of the vicuna, guanaco, llama and alpaca.  Unlike the llamas, which were primarily used as pack animals, alpacas were raised for their cashmere-like fiber, once reserved  for Incan royalty.   They have been domesticated for over 5,000 years.  Alpacas and llamas are native to the Andean Mountain Range of South America  and are primarily found in Bolivia, Chile and Peru.  The number of countries importing alpacas is growing and includes United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.  Alpacas are often raised as an alternative to sheep farming.  There are two types of alpacas, both of which are represented in the United States, the Huacaya and Suri.  The Huacaya's fiber has a wavy or crimped appearance while the Suri's fiber hangs in uniform locks.   Alpaca are extremely gentle and calm with an intriguing inner struggle between curiosity and shyness.  It is truly fascinating to watch  them interact with each other with their expressive body language and humming.  They have a soothing, serene manner that is positively  contagious.  With their soft, luxurious coats and fascinating personalities, alpacas are gaining popularity among those who want an animal  that is easy to care for and offers a good investment.   ALPACA DIET AND CARE Alpacas are grazers and like cattle, they chew their cud.  They have a split upper lip which prevents them from damaging the vegetation's roots.  They require good quality hay (primarily grasses) supplemented with grain and mineral mixes to meet their proper nutritional requirements.  Alpaca have communal dung piles, that is, they defecate in fixed areas which makes clean-up easy.  Alpacas will avoid grazing these areas thus keeping parasite infestation low.  They are on strict deworming programs and require annual boosters of certain vaccinations. ALAPCA FACTS LIFESPAN = 15-25 years   AVERAGE HEIGHT = 36 " at the withers   AVERAGE WEIGHT = 100 - 175 pounds   AVERAGE GESTATION =  335 days