Alpacas are a domesticated species that resemble small llamas, and were cherished by the ancient Incan civilizations. Alpacas were first imported tot he United States in 1984--Thirty years later, and Central Illinois is home to several alpaca farms!
OLLI students kicked-off their week with a tour of three alpaca farms located right around the Peoria area in the Chillicothe/Sparland region. Our first visit was to 'Walkin with Alpacas' where we got to see the amount of fiber, and fleece just a few alpacas are capable of producing!
The next visit was to Yankee Lane Alpacas, where OLLI students got a lesson in the Alpaca farming and breeding business-- learning what characteristics make an alpaca desirable, and the maintenance these regal animals require.
Following a nice lunch at Club LaCon, we were off to Autumn Sky Alpacas. We were lucky enough to watch a newly-born cria, or baby alpaca, takes its first few steps! OLLI students enjoyed observing and learning about these animals which originate from Peru.
Thank you to our friends who made this such an enjoyable and informative experience! For more information, check out the following Facebook Pages:
Please feel free to share your thoughts,
OLLI at Bradley
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