Alpacas are a species of camelid domesticated some 6,000 years ago in South America. They were raised primarily for their wool but their meat is also used. Two varieties exist, the huacaya and the suri, with both available in the UK. The alpacas' wild counterparts are just one colour but some 20 shades of colours such as white, fawn, black, grey and fancy are seen in domesticated alpacas.

Alpacas are primarily found in Chile, Peru and Bolivia. There are some 12,000 in the UK, with imports having come from South America, Australia and the USA.

Alpacas are ruminants, so chew their cud. They have evolved to do very well on coarse grass in their native habitat but, unlike camels, they need access to water at all times. In the UK some camelid mix is added to their diet to ensure correct overall nutrition.

Alpacas' gestation is about 11 months, with single births the norm. Females usually give birth in the morning, with the cria up on their feet within an hour. They feed on the mothers' milk but explore solids over the months, before weaning at about 6 months. Females can be mated at any time, as they are induced to ovulate by the attentions of the male.