Meet the alpacas, a new State Fair attraction
Meet Penelope. No, really, you can meet Penelope the alpaca at one of Wisconsin State Fair’s new attractions this year.
Penelope and friend Mona Lisa are 14-month-old alpacas from London Dairy Alpacas Ranch. They traveled from Two Rivers with their human (and owner) Kevin Stoer to a red-andwhite tent next to the Compeer Financial Discovery Barnyard at State Fair Park.
But before you wander over to –their pen, there are a few things you should know about the girls and their breed, as explained by their owner Stoer.
How to tell the difference between a llama and an alpaca
The best way to distinguish alpacas from llamas is by size and ear shape. Llamas have longer, banana-shaped ears and can weigh up to 400 pounds. Alpacas have shorter, spear-shaped ears and don’t weigh more than 200 pounds. Penelope and Mona Lisa are young, and each weighs less than 110 pounds.
Alpacas are less likely to spit at you than llamas. Llamas are used as guard animals in South America, Stoer explained, and are more aggressive. They spit to show superiority. Alpacas are docile. They rarely spit, and it’s only at each other.
Why is their hair short? How often are they sheared?
Penelope and Mona Lisa have short hair right now. Stoer shears his head once per year; the girls just had their haircut in May. In the winter their fur can be seven inches long, but right now it’s just a few inches.
Most of the alpaca tent at State Fair is set up as a store. The visiting farms also sell items — teddy bears, sweaters, yarn, rugs, socks and more —
made from alpaca fibers. Alpaca fiber is three times warmer than sheep’s wool. The warmth makes alpaca-fiber socks an especially popular item in Wisconsin winters, Stoer said.
Meet them soon, but approach them gently
Alpacas are shy, especially Mona Lisa. You should approach slowly so you don’t scare them.
Penelope and Mona Lisa will probably stand far enough back so you won’t be able to reach in and pet them, Stoer said. However, he added, Penelope is very curious and extremely photogenic. If you try to take her picture, she may strike a pose.
Penelope and Mona Lisa will only be at the fair for six days. The alpacas’ booth has rotating farms. London Dairy, the girls’ home, and Raspberry Hill Alpacas will occupy the booth for the first six days and then Sabamba Alpaca Ranch will take over for the last five days.
If you want to learn more about alpacas, ask Stoer. He has a degree in agriculture education and is happy to answer questions. He also has lots of information you can read at the booth.