And let's not forget the beasties

[maystone]

Comments

[circumspectly]

Aren't they all kuh-yute? What are the differences between huacayas and suris?

Also...how does a person pronounce "huacaya"?

Inquiring minds and all...

[maystone]

It's pronounced Wah-KYE-yah. The main difference is in their fleece. Suris have long dread locks - or they do if you don't shear them. They're also bigger than huacayas. Huacayas have dense, teddy bear fleece. They're also not as "spirited" as suris. The vast majority of alpacas in North America are huacayas, I think it's like 95% of the alpaca population. We're trying to help maintain suri viability by breeding them. (Besides the fact that we think that they're lovely and noble.)

[sparky77]

Aw!!!!!!!! I miss them.

[maystone]

Yeah, I imagine there aren't many alpacas wandering around greater Chicago :) I'll tell that Auntie Q said hello. The boys are loving their new digs, and Hannibal is really enjoying being the head macho over the other three.

[sparky77]

There's actually an Alpaca farm somewhere in the suburbs of Chicago. People always mention to me when they drive by it. I keep on meaning to go check it out.

[finitejester37]

Ooo, is that last huacaya... um... Rio? Was that his name? No, he must be bigger than that one by now. If that's not him, can I request a pic? I'm pretty sure the name was Rio or something close to it, and he was doing the adorable precocious brat thing back when he was a cria in... goodness, was it summer 2008 when I visited? That's so long ago!

Are your guys (non-gender specific 'guys') all adjusted now to the new digs and new faces?

[maystone]

Wow, what a memory! No, that isn't Rio, but he sure looks like him. Rio was sold last spring, so I can't take any more pictures of him anytime soon. He's a very big deal in the Ontario alpaca stud circuit, so the next time I see him at a show, I'll be sure to get a pic or two of him for you. Maybe even get him to autograph it.

It's been like forever since you've visited! Stupid moving. I hope we get you down here again, jes.

[finitejester37]

Ah, gotcha. Even from the little I saw of him, I'm not at all surprised that Rio's a sought after guy.

I have the weirdest memory. I couldn't tell you a single word that my boss said to me today. Of course, that might be intentionally selective thing. :-)

[cottonmanifesto]

oh they all need cuddling.

[maystone]

Some of them will let you cuddle them, too. Come on up! Just bring your arctic gear :)

[cottonmanifesto]

i can wait until august. :)

[maystone]

They have that effect on nearly everyone. It can be very calming to be around them.

Some of them will kiss your nose, but it's a lot harder to get them to let you do the kissin'.