Alpaca owner forced to sell quarter of her herd
COVID CRIPPLES BUSINESS AFTER ‘MASSIVELY SUCCESSFUL’ FIRST SEASON
AN alpaca business is looking to sell a quarter of its animals after Covid-19 brought its programme of walks, visits and weddings to a complete standstill.
A GoFundMe page to help Anglesey Alpacas has so far yielded £1,000 but this is still well short of its £5,000 target.
Owner Elaine Bevington is not concerned for the animals’ welfare – as they “eat before we do” – but a 100% loss of income from the venture, and the absence of any grant support, will probably force them to sell 12 of the 44-strong herd.
“It’s very sad for me because I know them all as individuals,” said Elaine, a former teacher who moved to Anglesey with partner Tim Shaw four years ago.
Elaine and Tim launched the venture in spring 2019 after two years of planning.
“The first season was so massively successful that we could barely cope with demand,” said Elaine. “We even took on staff to help us.”
As well as walks and talks, Anglesey Alpacas hosted birthday, anniversary ary and Mother’s Day par- ties. The animals visited care homes, interacted with dementia sufferers and got involved with a new club for disabled children.
Elaine even hired out ut two alpacas – complete plete with sombreros – for a South American-themed wedding. dding
Buoyed by success, she was even moved to rescue four alpacas from Snowdonia, along with five goats.
“We were really looking forward to our second season,” she said. “But then the lockdown arrived.”
Since then, all activities have ceased. After the first lockdown ended, “I worked out the cost, and how many days were left in the season, and it wasn wasn’t worth it,” Elaine said said.
Neither could the business apply for grants as it had been running for less than th three years and w wasn’t eligible.
A Any thoughts of a latelate-season revival ended when w Wales entered its second lockdown. l
This prompted neighbour Stacey Chadfield to set up the GoFundMe appeal. A photographer who designed the Anglesey Alpacas logo and website, Stacey has since become a close friend.
“Elaine didn’t want to ask for the help, but I care for her and it upsets me to see her struggling.
“She is facing having to sell some of her alpacas – not only are they her business, they are her babies, too!”
Despite the difficulties facing the business, customers have stayed loyal: everyone who booked vouchers has accepted extensions rather than refunds.
Elaine added: “We’re staying positive as walking with alpacas is a Covid-friendly activity.
“It’s outdoors and everyone walks 6ft apart – the length of an alpaca – and people can go in family groups.
“Next year I think a lot of people will want to do a safe, healthy activity, especially given the number of things you still won’t be able to do.”
Proceeds from the appeal will be used to pay for feed, hay and straw for the alpacas, along with veterinary bills.