Alpacas back in the Vivarium Darmstadt: A new highlight for families!

Alpacas back in the Vivarium Darmstadt: A new highlight for families!

As of today, animal lovers can once again admire alpacas at the Vivarium Zoo in Darmstadt. These charming South American small camels are now housed in the former kangaroo enclosure and make the zoo scenario even more varied. The return of these lovable animals is a real crowd puller, especially because they come at the popular request of children who work with the Association for Children with Cancer and Chronically Ill Children. V. Darmstadt visit the zoo, were brought back. As rheinmainverlag.de reports, three alpaca mares can be seen, two of which come from the Kleve Zoo and one from a private owner.

Alpacas, bred from vicunas about 6,000 years ago, were once a symbol of prosperity for the Incas. Nothing symbolized their wealth more than an alpaca fur coat. Today, over three million alpacas live in Peru, and they are also becoming increasingly popular as pets in Europe. More and more people are discovering the benefits of these fascinating animals.

Attitude and care

Alpacas are sociable herd animals that should be kept in groups of at least three animals to ensure their welfare. This is not only nice for the animals, but also ensures that they feel comfortable. They need enough space to graze and a sheltered shelter to protect themselves from the elements. alpaka-team.de emphasizes that alpacas need to be sheared regularly to avoid heat stress; this usually takes place in spring. Failure to do so can even be considered animal cruelty.

When it comes to the health of these robust animals, regular veterinary checks are essential. Although alpacas often only show diseases at an advanced stage, early signs can be recognized through changes in behavior and visual characteristics. The most common diseases include gastrointestinal diseases and skin problems, which can be caused by various causes such as parasites.

Alpaca wool and its use

Alpaca wool has developed into a sought-after raw material that impresses with its softness and warmth. It is hypoallergenic and is ideal for allergy sufferers. However, clothing made from alpaca wool should be washed by hand, as alpaka-wolle.de recommends. A water temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius is ideal. To keep the wool in good shape, garments should be washed carefully and dry cleaned if necessary to avoid matting.

A particularly interesting point is the storage of alpaca wool. If you have unused clothing, store it in a dry plastic bag and add lavender or cedar to prevent moth infestation.

The return of the alpacas to the Vivarium not only offers a great opportunity to experience these loving animals up close, but also the chance to learn more about their husbandry, care and the special properties of their wool. A definitely worthwhile visit for the whole family!