Alpaca

Latin Name
Lama pacos

Class
Mammals

Order
Artiodactyla

Description

Alpacas are long-necked cousins of llamas, equipped with thick wool. Weighing as much as 225 pounds and standing as tall as three feet at the withers, males are known as "machos." Females are called "hembras."


 
Range

First domesticated in South America, alpacas are now domesticated around the world.


Status

Thriving in domestic settings


Habitat

Domestic environments, such as grasslands, fields and other pastures provided by keepers.


Niche

Herders lead alpacas to graze on grasses and other plants. The wool harvested from alpacas is prized for its warming density.


Life History

Alpacas live in domestic groupings ranging from pairs to herds.



Lincoln Park Zoo Exhibit

Antelope & Zebra Area