Alpaca

Alpacas are the llamas’ smaller cousins. Despite the fact that many people confuse the species, alpacas have a smaller size, shorter ears, and a very soft coat.

Alpacas are social and calm animals characterized by their curious nature. They make excellent pets and can easily be trained. When they feel happy you will know it: these adorable creatures make a distinctive sound (which sounds like: mmmmm!)

When they feel displeasure or danger, they are likely to spit on other animals. But don’t worry! They never spit on people!

At Farma of Rhodes you will have the opportunity to get to know these wonderful creatures, experience incredible moments of laughter, and create unique memories!

More about alpacas

Alpacas are members of the camel family, domesticated by humans in the Peruvian Andes about 6,000 years ago.

They became famous worldwide because of the wool they produce, which is used for the construction of warm and soft fabrics. Alpacas can be found in 22 different colors, such as white, black, beige, and many shades of brown and gray. Although they are bred in many parts of the world (like Australia, USA, and the UK) their homeland is the Andes Mountains.

There are two domesticated breeds of alpacas: The huacaya, whose fleece is crimped, compact, and soft, and makes up 90% of the alpaca population. Suri alpacas, whose coats have longer fibers and a silkier texture, account for the rest of the population.

Alpacas are very expressive animals and engage in admirable behaviors. When there is danger, they howl, and when they are excited they make a distinctive sound. When male alpacas fight with each other they make a sound reminiscent of a bird calling. Members of a herd of alpacas will all have the same toilet instead of defecating in random places. This is preventing the spread of disease. But it is extremely funny to observe the female alpacas queuing for the toilet in a row!

The majority of alpacas live on farms and fortunately are not an endangered species.