Alpacas are popular in Canada

[Catherine]

Alpacas were brought to Canada because they can handle the climate. They were brought here in the 1980s and their numbers have grown. There are more than 34,000 registered.
The UN has declared 2024 the year of Camelids to highlight how important Alpacas, camels and llamas are to the livelihood of many people in the world.
Alpacas are primarily raised for their wool.
More than 40% of Canada's Alpacas are in Alberta so Alberta is featuring them in their open farm days celebrations.
In Ontario, Alpacas are part of a growing agri-tourism boom.


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/...-1.7294665

I love the funny sign on an Alberta farm threatening to fine anyone who calls their Alpacas, Llamas by mistake.
It is hard to tell them apart if you have never seen anything but pictures.
The soft texture of their wool might help. I have some beautifully soft Alpaca scarves and an Alpaca blanket.
My favorite is my hand knit Alpaca socks. No wonder Alpacas are so popular in Canada. We love the beautiful wool they give us.
The socks really are amazing. They are warm and soft and beautiful.

[LPC]

Interestingly, in France they are classed as "animaux de compagnie" (companion animals), not as livestock like cattle and sheep. They can become very close to their humans, eating our of their hands, watching visitors arrive and leave, etc.

[Catherine]

Quote:Interestingly, in France they are classed as "animaux de compagnie" (companion animals), not as livestock like cattle and sheep. They can become very close to their humans, eating our of their hands, watching visitors arrive and leave, etc.

I did not know that France classed Alpacas as companion animals.
In Alberta they are farm animals, but in Ontario, Alpacas are closer to being companion animals.

They are a popular tourist destination. People go to actually meet with the Alpacas.

https://pinatravels.org/alpaca-farms-in-ontario/

https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca...ms-ontario

When you look at the interactions offered, the Alpacas come across more like dogs than livestock.
They are advertising personal encounters with the Alpacas.
Of course the farms take advantage of the wonderful Alpaca wool and make products to sell.

The Alpaca wool items I have, all came from a craft shop that supports local businesses. Someone knit my socks and some Alpaca provided the wool.
I would love to meet both.