Guanaco

Looks how to spot one

Woolly, thick coat

Guanacos have a soft, woolly coat that is usually light brown, brownish yellow, or rusty red on the back and sides, with white on the belly, rump, and backs of the legs. The head, ears, and nape of the neck are grey. This colouring helps them blend into dry grassland and desert habitats.3

Personality what they are like

Guanacos are generally calm and curious animals. They are social and live in small bands led by a male. They are alert and will give an alarm call and flee if they sense danger. They are not aggressive but should be treated with respect, especially during handling.14

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guanacos are active during the day and spend much of their time grazing and browsing. They need plenty of space to roam and forage. They are not suitable for small gardens or indoor living; they require large, secure pastures.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Guanacos do not require shearing like domestic alpacas, but they do need routine hoof care and dental checks. They need access to shelter from extreme weather and clean water. Their coat naturally sheds, but occasional brushing may help remove loose hair.35

Home where they are happiest

Guanacos live in cold or temperate open areas such as shrub-steppe, semi-arid brushlands, and even wet coastal rainforests. They need large, well-drained pastures with secure fencing and a three-sided shelter for protection from rain and wind. They are not house pets and require a rural or semi-rural setting.45

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Guanacos are herbivores and mainly graze on grasses, but they also browse on shrubs, herbs, lichens, fungi, cacti, and flowers. They have a three-chambered stomach and can digest tough, low-quality plants. They can get most of their moisture from food and may not need to drink daily.23

Company who they like around

Guanacos are social herd animals and live in small bands of females led by a male. They should not be kept alone; they need at least one companion. They communicate through humming and body posture. They are generally gentle but need calm handling.15

The story where it all began

The guanaco is the wild ancestor of the domestic llama. It has been domesticated for thousands of years, with domestication beginning around 4,000 to 3,500 BC in the Andean highlands. Guanacos are still found in the wild across South America, but they are also kept as livestock for their wool and as pack animals. They are not typically kept as house pets but as farm or ranch animals.41