Free Ranged Happy Alpacas

alpacas in arequipa in front of mountain
CRUELTY-FREE: AN ALPACA'S LIFE
Completely free from fences and boundaries, alpacas roam freely outdoors. Their natural habitat is found in altitudes above 3000 meters in the Andes of Peru. In the early start of the morning their farmers hike them to areas that no car can reach. The alpacas graze freely taking in the bright sunlight and high winds. Once the sun starts dropping, they are brought back to the farmer’s land where they also wander freely. Many would think an alpaca’s life ends when they are not able to regrow quality wool. However, Peruvians respect the life of the animal and when an alpaca dies of natural circumstances they are used for meat.
white alpaca suri with long hair in farm

 

SHEARING TECHNIQUES

Considering the high-end shavers found in the market, the Peruvian farmers stick to their ancient Incan traditions. Using unique scissors, they carefully cut the wool of the animal without causing any harm. Unlike a wool razor, there is no loud buzzing to scare the alpaca and they are never sheared until naked. Many would think shearing would be harmful to the Alpaca, but it is a necessity for their survival. Shearing occurs only once or twice a year and alpacas are not sheared more than 2 to 3 times their lifetime. Mulesing does not exist in the life of an alpaca or any other animal in Peru.

white alpaca with leg up in front of mountains in arequipa

ALPACA NUTRITIONIST AND VET

Just like a human having a doctor, alpacas have their own nutritionist and vet. This ecological animal is checked and monitored to ensure they are in good health. Nutritionists are brought in to check their diets and to make sure they are receiving the correct foods. 

WHY IS ALPACA AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ANIMAL?

✔ Farming alpacas does not require harsh chemicals.

✔ Alpaca footprint is light against the ground

✔ During feeding time, alpaca’s teeth cut grass allowing new grass to regrow.

They consume smaller amounts of food compared to sheep and goats.

Alpaca fibers are Lanolin-Free. Lanolin (itchy wax) is found in most sheep’s wool including merino. It takes toxic substances to remove this wax off wool including gallons of boiling water.