Alpacas are the heart of Eagle Eye Farm. They're where it all started back in 2018, and they're still the animals most visitors come to see. They're fluffy, curious, a little quirky and full of surprises. Here are 10 fun facts to impress your friends (and maybe your kids) on your next visit.
1. They come from South America
Alpacas come from the Andes mountains of South America, where they've been raised by people for thousands of years. They're part of the camelid family, which also includes llamas and camels.
2. There are two types
Huacaya alpacas have fluffy, crimpy, teddy-bear fleece. Suri alpacas have long, silky locks that hang down. All of our alpacas are Huacaya except Viper, our one Suri.
3. They hum
Alpacas make a soft humming sound to communicate. They hum when they're curious, content, a little worried or just checking in with each other. It's one of the sweetest sounds on the farm.
4. They don't have top front teeth
Instead of top front teeth, alpacas have a firm dental pad. They grab grass between their bottom teeth and that pad. It's a big part of why they're such gentle grazers.
5. Their feet are soft
Alpacas don't have hooves. They have two toes with toenails and soft, padded feet, which are much gentler on pastures than hooves.
6. They need friends
Alpacas are herd animals and should never live alone. They feel safest with buddies and get stressed without them. That's why you'll always see them hanging out together.
7. They share a bathroom
This one always gets a giggle. Alpacas use communal dung piles, which means the herd picks a few spots to go to the bathroom and sticks with them. It keeps the rest of the pasture cleaner and makes chores a lot easier.
8. Babies are called cria
A baby alpaca is called a cria. Alpaca pregnancies last close to a year, and cria are usually up and walking soon after they're born. Watching a cria bounce around the pasture is pure joy.
9. Their fiber is amazing
Alpaca fiber is soft, warm and lightweight. It doesn't contain lanolin, the natural oil in sheep's wool, so many people find it less itchy. Alpacas are sheared once a year, in the spring, and their fiber is spun into yarn and made into socks and more. Alpaca fiber also comes in a wide range of natural colors, from white to fawn to brown to black.
10. They (mostly) don't spit at people
Yes, alpacas spit, but it's almost always aimed at other alpacas during arguments over food or personal space. People are rarely the target. If you hear grumbling and see ears pinned back, just step aside, and you'll be fine.
Bonus fact: our herd is award-winning
Eagle Eye Farm was named the #1 small alpaca farm in the country in 2022 and the #1 medium alpaca farm in 2023 by the Alpaca Owners Association. We're a little proud of that.
Come meet them
Fun facts are great, but meeting alpacas in person is even better. We're about 35 to 40 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and we're open rain, shine or snow. Check our website for current tours, and visit our FAQ page if you have questions. See you at the farm!
