America's Stonehenge is home to three friendly animals known as alpacas. The alpacas were added in 2002 by Kelsey Stone, the vice-president, who found the animals fascinating and wanted to learn more about them. Originally, Kelsey's plan was to sell the animals' fleece to raise money for college, and now the alpacas are a beloved part of the attraction at America's Stonehenge. Three babies, or cria, have been born on the property.
Please scroll down for alpaca FAQ.
| Our Herd | |
 Cindy Lou Who is half-sister to Dixon and Gina. This petite girl is only 100 pounds and likes to stay close to her sisters at all times. |
 Gina is half-sister to Dixon and Cindy, and is a shy and gentle animal. |
 Dixon is half-sister to Gina and Cindy. She is curious and likes to know what is going on. |
What is an alpaca, and how is it different from a llama?
Alpacas, like llamas, are part of the camelid family, meaning two-toed. That is about where the similarities between alpacas and llamas end.
Alpacas are about 1/3 the size of llamas, they have softer fiber, straight ears, and more even temperaments.
Do the alpacas roam freely on the hilltop?
Our alpacas are in large pens where they can be easily viewed, and that also protect them from the local wildlife.
Do alpacas spit?
Yes, alpacas spit when they feel threatened. Alpacas don't have languages like we humans use to communicate, so when they
spit that is their way of saying, "What you are doing is bothering me. Please stop!"
Are they friendly?
Our alpacas are very friendly and love to greet our visitors. Don't be surprised if they shy away from you when you try to
touch them. Unlike dogs and cats, alpacas aren't too keen on being handled; they have more of a live-and-let-live type of
mindset.
What do alpacas eat?
An alpaca's diet consists mainly of hay, and they are given a mixture of grain twice a day. They also have free choice of a mineral
supplement, and they always have fresh water available to them.
How often are the alpacas shorn?
We shear our alpacas once a year in late spring. This keeps them cool through the summer, and by the fall their thick fiber grows back
to keep them warm all winter.
Do you sell their fiber in the gift shop?
Yes, we sell the fiber from our own alpacas in skeins of yarn, and in bird nesting kits. We also sell stuffed alpaca dolls so you can
take your own alpaca home!