ALPACAS are a fun, friendly and fascinating animal and local breeder Val Johanson is giving residents the opportunity to get more well acquainted with the cute animals.
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Mrs Johanson will hold free tours of her muster, Qozqo Alpacas, located at Williamsdale, from May 2 to 10 to coincide with National Alpaca Week.
Visitors will get the opportunity to see 300 alpacas, meet the baby alpacas, feel their soft coats and look at the yarn spun from their fleece.
"It's an opportunity for people to meet the animals and learn about them," Mrs Johanson said.
"How quiet they are and captivating they are. They can have a photo and cuddle with the animal and feel their fibre - it's very luxurious and silky."
Mrs Johanson has bred alpacas since 2004 and said she was quickly enamoured with the South American natives.
"We used to have 800 goats on our property but we had a fox problem. They would get to about 60 per cent of the baby goats. We heard alpacas were guard animals and thought they would keep the foxes at bay," she said.
"I loved them the first time we saw them. They're beautiful animals, inquisitive creatures with the most amazing fleece.
"They're very easy to manage and are so interesting. They make wonderful pets."
This year is an extra special one for the Australian Alpaca Industry as it marks their 25th anniversary.
Tours of Qozqo Alpacas will be held from May 2 - 10 and is only available by appointment. Contact Val Johanson on 0412 887 857 or email alpacas@qozqo.com.
