About Alpacas

Alpacas are the oldest domesticated animal in the world, having been farmed in South America for over 6,000 years, where they evolved as one of that group of animals known collectively as the South American Camelids, and including also the lama, vicuna and guanaco. They share a common ancestry with the camel, which they strongly resemble in many features. They have been bred principally for the quality of their fleece, known by the ancient Incas of Peru as “the fibre of the gods.”

The modern Australian alpaca industry began in 1987 with the importation of the first shipment of Chilean alpacas into Australia. Twenty years later, their numbers in Australia are rapidly approaching 100,000, where they have proven themselves adaptable to climates ranging from Tasmania to Queensland and into Western Australia. The Australian Alpaca Association today boasts over 2000 members with representatives in every Australian state.

With a long and proud history of breeding and refining the Merino sheep, producing what has become the international benchmark for wool, Australia is well equipped to do the same for the alpaca. Good husbandry, sound scientific practice and advanced veterinary services are the foundation on which the Australian alpaca industry is poised to make an international impact.