Common Name: Alpaca
Scientific Name: Vicugna pacos
At the zoo: Titus (male, 11y) and Penelope (female, 9y). Titus is larger and greyish, and Penelope is smaller and brown. You'll find them near the center of the zoo in the Flamingo enclosure. Check out the new baby born on Boxing Day! He's all white and super cute! His name is Tauntaun :)
Habitat:
Alpacas are a domestic species. You'll find semi-wild but managed herds in west/central South America.
Diet:
Herbivorous: grasses, leaves, bark, stems
Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Conservation Status: Not Listed
Biology & Conservation:
Alpacas have a slender body and neck with a thick coat that can be white, black, beige, or brown, or a combination thereof. They weigh 55 - 65 kilograms and are 1.2 - 2.2 metres long.
There are four species of small Camelid: llamas, guanacos, alpacas, and vicunas. Guanacos and vicunas are considered wild, whereas alpacas and llamas are considered domestic. Recent genetic analysis has found vicunas to be the wild ancestor of the alpaca and their Latin name has been changed accordingly from Lama pacos to Vicugna pacos.
The other two species in the family Camelidae are Bactrian camels and dromedaries.
Fun Fact:
Alpaca coats can have up to 22 different colour combinations!
