Meet the Zoo’s New Alpaca, Enriqué

July 2010

The new baby alpaca, Enrique

What is white all over with a big, black spot? It’s our newest addition to the South America Yard, the alpaca Enriqué!

Enriqué was welcomed into the herd on July 13 of this year to parents Eleanor and Sooner. He still nurses, and will continue to do so until about six months of age. Enriqué is just beginning to sample the alfalfa and pellets that mom and dad eat.

Alpacas are social animals native to the mountains of Peru, and are often times bred for their wool. They are accustomed to harsher climates and rough food, so they require minimal housing and have a three-stomach system to help in digestion of multiple varieties of plants.

Our little guy has been keeping himself quite busy exploring the exhibit and interacting with the other animals.  Zookeepers report he enjoys running as fast as he can, leaping around the yard and “wrestling.” As you might imagine with a youngster, he’s very active, until it’s time for a nap!