General Information on Llamas & Alpacas

 

Llamas and alpacas are not classified as small animals like dogs or cats, nor are they thought of as large animals, such as horses or cattle. They are, however, considered to be livestock.

 

The present situation is that many of these intelligent, sensitive creatures have been discarded as of no worth, due mainly to the lack of human understanding. Once educated, many people find they are interested in owning llamas and/or alpacas.

 

Llamas are known for their packing capacity, their intuitive guarding abilities, and some especially enjoy strutting their stuff in parades! Lesser-known qualities include their ability to act as Seeing Eye llamas, aid in assorted therapies, deter deer “visitations” and to provide companionship for other livestock that may be lonely or handicapped. If llamas are not placed with other compatible livestock, they must be adopted in pairs, as they are herd animals by nature.

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Alpacas are primarily fiber animals.  Their fiber, often compared to cashmere, can command a premium price.  Some may exhibit guarding instincts, but because of their smaller size they do not defend themselves as well as llamas. They do, however, give an alarm call that can alert a herd of animals and their human caretakers of danger.  Alpacas are also sensitive and family oriented - they make great picnic packers!  Alpacas must also be adopted in pairs, except under special, pre-approved circumstances

 

Llamas and alpacas both produce useful items of value. While alpaca fiber may be considered more valuable, llama fiber is also easily processed into yarn, fine products and clothing. Both animals also generate rich, odorless manure that makes excellent fertilizer and a marvelous plant “tea” when dissolved in water. Safe Haven proudly sells manure, raw fiber, rovings, yarn, felting kits and finished fiber products, directing all proceeds to the welfare of our precious residents.