Not Just Another Pretty Face

Believe it or not, many alpaca people have been asked if their alpacas are EMUS or OSTRICHES? Alpacas are mammals and both the aforementioned creatures are BIRDS. Yes, I am laughing a bit…but not kidding!

Alpacas are not another exotic pet fad – they produce exquisite fiber that has been revered for centuries. In ancient South American cultures, Alpaca fiber was prized on par with gold! The fiber is prized to this day, worldwide, and the animals themselves are very easy on the environment. Many believe that alpacas will be the next “green” sustainable fiber source.

As you would expect, fiber quality varies greatly among alpacas. There are two types of fiber Huacaya (fluffy, teddy bear) and Suri (dreadlockey). Huacaya fleece is usually crimpy, and grows straight out from the alpaca’s body, they are the fluffy ones. Suri fleece has a long, silky look, hanging straight down from the alpaca’s body. Suri and huacaya fleeces each have desirable characteristics making them highly sought after for different uses in the textile industry.