Posted September 2013
They both weigh between 28 to 30 pounds. One has thick, black fur and likes to run around a lot, and her half sister has brown and white fur and likes to run around even more. If you’ve been to the Zoo lately, you already know we’re talking about alpacas, Sarita, born August 1, 2013, to mom, Marcella, and Arica, born August 17, to mom, Eleanor. The newborns share an interesting lineage since Phoenix is dad to both babies, and Eleanor (Arica’s mom), is also Marcella’s mom – that makes Eleanor, Sarita’s grandmother!
The name Sarita has Spanish origins and means “princess.” Arica was named after the northern Chile city of Arica – her name was chosen by a Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Zoo Ball auction winner.
Both Sarita and Arica are still nursing from their moms, and will continue to nurse for about three months. They will start sampling hay, grass and pellets soon. Please visit Arica and Sarita at the South American Exhibit.