...a mama and cria Suri Alpaca.
...the mama is newly sheared. Her fleece will be made into very fine yarn.
...another alpaca came up behind me and nuzzled my cheek. Her little snout was so soft. She was incredibly gentle.
The baby had to check out my camera bag...
A little about the history of alpacas...
Archeological evidence shows alpacas were domesticated for their fiber over 6,000 years ago by the Quechua Indians of Peru in South America. Breeding standards under the Incan Empire were stringent, and the fleece production reached its height in the 11th and 12th centuries. Most accounts hold that the quality of the fleece produced back then has never been matched. When the Spanish Conquistadors invaded in the 1500s, they slaughtered the alpacas, preferring to raise sheep from their homeland instead. To save themselves and the alpacas, the Quechua Indians fled to the highlands of Peru, protecting the gentle animal from certain extinction.
I really enjoyed the time I spent at the Alpaca Bella Suri Farm photographing and playing with the alpacas. I usually only photograph wildlife, birds and flowers. This was the first time I spent some time with fleecy domesticated creatures, and I loved it. Next up...horses. I love horses and would like to photograph them one of these days...
Those pics are just adorable... So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLovely things, I hadnt realised there were two types, I am not sure if we have the Suri here in Oz, the ones I have seen dont look like your description.
ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteThe baby is so adorable. My sister inlaw has 2 new born fawn in her backyard right now.
Them seem fragile to me, and your description of gentle is also evident. Such sweet creatures! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteprecious...
ReplyDelete(can't wait to see your horse photos! if you don't have any willing subjects, come to Texas and I'll lend you my 2 Arabians...)
:)
How could anyone not like these Kelly.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful animals.
I love that last shot lol
All baby "anythings" are cute, but the alpaca babies are just adorable. The little one that is sleeping is so sweet. Great shots--you have a flair for capturing more than just the picture. Have a lovely day. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning photos. The shots of mother and baby are wonderful they have such beautiful profiles.
Guy
These are, I think, the most desirable animals one could admire. The pair are adorable.
ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet pictures. I'm sure the momma will feel much cooler this summer without her huge winter coat.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I hate hearing what we've done historically. Not that we shouldn't hear it but I always feel sick at what mankind thinks he has the right and power to do to others. I don't think we treated the Inca people any better than we did their alpaca. And I always wonder, what like that, are we doing to someone, something or someplace today. The pictures are so cute and I'm glad the Spanish weren't able to wipe them out.
ReplyDeleteThat baby is just sooo cute. Nice photos, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely, lovely animals, and beautiful photos. I enjoyed your visit to the alpaca farm.
ReplyDeleteNext time you're in Florida, I have a horse you can photograph... (actually, a bunch of them!)
cuteness overload....
ReplyDeletei must get back to see how mine are doing!!!
love the close ups!!!
I love both of your last two posts! You can't help but fall in love with these alpacas, both the babies and the mamas! You made my day, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I first became acquainted with alpacas in Peru three years ago. Their yarn is amazing!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Dianne
www.mysouthernheart.com
thank you for following along on my adventures and fun!!
ReplyDeletei really appreciate your kind words!!!
Nicole...thanks...such willing models too!
ReplyDeletePenny...Bill mentioned that only a small percentage of alpacas are the Suri Alpaca...the Huacaya are more commonly seen around the world.
Randy...you need to grab a few photos of your sis-in-law's fawn. They must be adorable!!
Laure...they are more "fragile" than llamas, which are bred to be pack animals. Alpacas are bred only for their wool (seems like they are bred for sweetness and gentleness too...at least at Bill's farm they seem to be!)
Tex...I'd love to come to Texas and photograph your Arabians. They are my favorite...I love that Arabian profile!! :-)
Keith...thank you. They are hard to resist.
Hi Mickie...they are so adorable, and in person, even more so!!
guy...thank you! I'm with you. I can't get enough of their profiles. They are so cool...
...thanks, Abe! They are close to you too...sort of. The Alpaca Bella Suri Farm is in Morrow, Ohio...not far from Lebanon, Ohio. It's only about 15 minutes from where I live.
Janice...you're right. Perfect timing for shearing. This week has been killer in Cincy....97 degrees with tons of humidity...
timaree...you're right. The Incas did not fare any better. Your words are so true...
...thanks, Mona!! :-)
Kathy...next time I make it to Tampa, I'm heading over. I'd LOVE to see all of your horses...
Debbie...I know...overload!! I need to see the alpacas you posted on your blog!
Hilke...thank you! I know...I guess we are programmed to love great big eyes and big foreheads of babies...and alpacas steal the show with those eyes!! :-)
...thanks, Diane...I read that the herds of alpacas in Peru can number in the thousands, with huge herds of 30,000+ in the mountains. Must be a spectacular sight.
ohmigosh, that baby is sooooo cute! Lucky you!
ReplyDelete