Alpaca History

Originally from the Andes in South America, alpacas were so precious to the ancient Incan civilisation that they were used as currency because of the quality of their fleece. 

Alpaca fleece was exclusively worn by royalty because of its wonderful qualities and the Incans developed detailed and extensive breeding programmes. At the height of the Incan Empire, alpacas grew a far more uniform fleece and produced higher fibre yields than even the best alpacas today.

When the Spanish conquistadors invaded in the early 17th century alpacas were driven to near extinction and many breeding systems and bloodlines were lost forever. Estimates suggest only 10% of the population remained and these remaining alpacas interbred with llamas so their valuable, superfine fleece has never quite been the same as it was for the ancient Incan royalty.

Alpacas are camelid cousins of the llama but are smaller and easier to handle.

With large dark eyes and a sweet, gentle nature there is no question alpacas are attractive animals, however it is their long, luxurious fleece that sets them apart. No other animal in the UK can produce such an abundance of fine, soft fibre. 

Alpacas have been domesticated for many thousands of years and have been bred to produce a wonderfully soft, valuable fleece. A llama, in comparison, is bigger than an alpaca and has instead been bred to carry things as a pack animal.  

▪ Long life, living for 18-20 years

▪ Alpaca fleece comes in a range of 16 natural colours

▪ Babies are called “cria”

▪ Very strong herd instincts

Alpacas are the ideal small acreage animal, producing a highly regarded luxury product and enabling even those with only a few acres to run a successful business from their property. Easy to keep and handle, alpacas are calm, intelligent animals that are a lot gentler on the land than traditional livestock.

There are two types of alpaca: Huacaya and Suri:

• Huacaya are the better known type of alpaca – their fleece grows straight out from the body like a sheep, and they develop a crimp in the staples.

• Suris are rarer and are similar in conformation to a huacaya but their fleece is totally different.  The fibres are grouped in locks which hang down in spirals, with more lustre than huacaya and no crimp.

Other than the difference in fleece, both types of alpaca are managed in the same way. Here at Blackberry Alpacas we only have huacayas.