Alpacas > Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries

Docile yet inquisitive – alpaca have captured people’s hearts for centuries. They are characterised by their long neck and legs, pointed ears and often a thick woolly coat which can vary in colour from brown and black right through to pale yellow or white.

Natural habitat Alpaca originate from South America, inhabiting mainly mountainous or marshy areas. — Natural habitat
Alpaca originate from South America, inhabiting mainly mountainous or marshy areas.

Diet Alpaca are herbivores, which means they mainly eat plants, but their diet can also include wood, bark or stems. — Diet
Alpaca are herbivores, which means they mainly eat plants, but their diet can also include wood, bark or stems.

Social structure Naturally social animals, alpaca typically live in family herds consisting of an alpha male, females, and their young. — Social structure
Naturally social animals, alpaca typically live in family herds consisting of an alpha male, females, and their young.

Meet our resident alpacas

We have two alpacas here at Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary – Alan and Alfie! Full of energy and curiosity, these boys are an absolute joy to be around. Watch the video to learn more about their new life!

Making woolly friends

When a very woolly Alfie and Alan first arrived, they were keen to explore their new home. Our herd of sheep, however, we not so sure about this new arrangement! Over time the boys have settled in seamlessly and now enjoy peaceful days with their sheep friends.

Fascinating alpaca facts

Do alpaca spit?

Contrary to popular belief, alpaca rarely spit at humans. When spitting does occur, it’s usually an exhalation of air rather than saliva, and will likely be aimed at other alpaca, for example when protecting a feeding area or their young.

Alpacas and llamas, what's the difference?

Though the names are often used interchangeably, alpacas and llamas are actually two distinct species, both members of the camelid family. Alpacas are generally smaller than llamas, and with less elongated faces and ears. Their fleece is soft and shaggy compared with llama fleece which is generally courser.

Do alpacas require shearing?

Just like our sheep, alpaca too require annual shearing where their thick woolly fleece is removed in the hot summer months. Look out for the fleece in our Outdoor Education Area as we place it on our vegetable beds as an effective slug deterrent!

Farmed vs Free

Alpacas have a natural life span of between 15 and 20 years.

Although it’s less common in the UK, farming alpacas for their wool is still a common practice in South America, North America, and New Zealand. The wool – which is softer than sheep’s wool and contains no lanolin (a naturally occurring but waxy substance), making it hypoallergenic – is then used to make clothing and other items.

Not as much is known about the welfare of alpaca farms compared with those of chicken or cattle systems, however, in 2020, animal welfare group PETA went undercover to expose the horrendous conditions at an alpaca farm in Peru, where alpacas were tied down and subjected to terrible physical abuse while being sheared.

Due to their docile nature and “cute” appearance, alpacas are still considered by many to be ideal pets, however it’s important to note that they require time, space, and financial input to cover feed, vet, and shearing bills.

Meet Alan and Alfie

Our two resident alpacas – Alan and Alfie – used to live at a local retirement home and were very much loved by residents and staff alike. However, the premises didn’t have quite the right facilities for these boys, so they came to live with us.

Convinced that they are in fact sheep, not alpaca, Alan and Alfie have bonded closely with our flock of elderly ewes and can usually be found grazing the fields or enjoying an afternoon nap in the grass.