A BRIEF HISTORY OF ALPACAS
Alpacas are members of the camelid family. Their closest relative is the Llama, however they are also related to other camelidae such as the Dromedary and Bactrian camels. Alpacas and llamas were specifically bred by the Andean people for their wild cousins the guanaco and vicuna to provide transport capability (llama) and high quality fibre (alpaca). Both animals were also used for meat and hides. 
The alpaca is one of the worlds oldest domesticated species with evidence of animal husbandry and selective breeding practices dating back nearly 6000 years. Hand woven textiles that have survived from the ancient Pucara culture dating back 2500 years and among the most beautiful produced in the region. The Incan civilization(1438-1532) held the alpaca in high regard and they played an important role in the daily and spiritual life of its people. The production and use of fibre was intensely regulated by the state and involved status, religious beliefs and strict regulations. The Incas counted their wealth in cloth not gold, using it to settle debts within their society and disputes with their enemies. Different kinds of fibre were distributed according to ones social class, with the finest reserved for royalty.
ALPACAS IN CANADA
Before 1987, the only alpacas in Canada were held in Zoos or game farms. In early 1987, a Canadian Alpaca Ranch acquired their first alpacas. Direct importation from South 
America into Canada was impossible because there were no established protocols. Eventually however a protocol was established with New Zealand and in 1990 a group of eighteen breeders calling themselves the Canadian Alpaca Adventure (CAV) purchased a group of good quality Chilean alpacas. Before the animals could arrive in Canada they had to wait for quarantine period to expire. The first importation which had grown to over 500 animals arrived in Canada in 1992. There were additional imports of high quality Peruvian and Bolivian alpacas until December 31, 2000 when the registry was closed. Since then only animals bred from Canadian stock can be fully registered. In 2006 there were over 18,000 registered alpacas in Canada with an average yearly growth rate of over 18%. The total world population of alpacas is estimated at over 3 million.
WHY ALPACAS
Alpacas are clean and intelligent. They produce fibre that is as fine as cashmere, soft, silky and much warmer and stronger than sheep's wool. 
Alpacas come in variety of colours, including white, black, brown, grey, fawn and any combination of these colours, the widest assortment of colours of any fibre bearing animal. They are quiet, peaceful animals and make soft humming sounds to communicate. They are easy to raise, can be handled by anyone and are safe around children. Alpacas are extremely hardy and adaptable to most climates, elevations and conditions. Alpacas get along with goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, cats and family dogs. Adults weigh an average of 125 to 175 pounds. They live 20 - 25 years. Alpacas require little space. A 4-foot field fence makes a sufficient enclosure. They eat 2 pounds of hay per day and 0.75 of a pound (around a cup) of a supplement per day. Their gestation period averages 11½ months. Males are usually ready to breed between 2 and four years of age. As a rule, give birth during the day, usually between 10:00am-2:00pm.
Alpacas make cleaning the corral an easy task, as they "go" in only a few spots. Alpaca droppings are practically odourless and are excellent for enriching soil. Alpacas are easily transported in a pick-up, van or trailer. 
They usually lie down in transit. Alpacas very rarely spit at people - usually only when nervous or overexcited. There are two breeds of alpaca, the huacaya and the suri. They differ primarily in the character of their fibre. The huacaya, the most common alpaca breed, has a crimped or wavy fleece whereas the suri has straight, lustrous, fine fibre. In full fleece, the huacaya has a full, fluffy appearance, while the suri is elegantly draped in long pencil locks. Alpacas are the only animals in the world that come in so many different colours. Prized for its unique silky feel and superb handle, alpaca fibre is highly sought after by the large textile manufacturers of Europe and Asia. Various worsted and woollen mills across Canada offer custom processing of alpaca fibre - carding, blending, dyeing and processing into many products. Sweaters, blankets, mitts, socks, shawls, hats, duvets can be purchased through various home based businesses.
