Suri Alpaca

Looks how to spot one

Fleece

The Suri alpaca has a distinctive fleece made of long, silky, lustrous locks that hang straight down rather than fluffing out. This lock structure is what separates it from the fluffier Huacaya alpaca. The fibre is fine, straight and very soft to the touch, and it was historically prized by the Inca for its luxurious quality.25

Personality what they are like

Suri alpacas are generally calm, gentle and intelligent animals. They are quiet and communicate with soft humming sounds, though they may make a shrill alarm call when frightened. They can be cautious and nervous when they feel threatened, especially if approached from behind. They are not typically aggressive, but males may fight with each other. They are curious and can form bonds with their keepers, enjoying gentle handling and interaction.314

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Suri alpacas need ample grazing space and room to roam. They are not highly energetic animals, but they do need space to move, graze and exercise. A well-maintained pasture with quality grass is essential, and they should be allowed to graze for several hours a day. They are herd animals and will be more active and content when kept with companions.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Suri alpacas need to be sheared at least once a year, preferably in spring, to prevent their long fleece from causing heat stress and to avoid parasite problems. Their toenails need regular trimming every few months. They also require routine vaccinations, deworming based on faecal tests, and occasional dental care because their teeth grow continuously. Their fleece needs regular brushing to prevent matting, especially in the lock-forming Suri type.41

Home where they are happiest

Suri alpacas need a clean, dry shelter that protects them from harsh weather, such as a well-ventilated barn or shed. They also need secure fencing, ideally 4-5 feet high, to keep them safe from predators like coyotes, wolves and dogs. They can adapt to both hot and cold climates, but in hot, humid weather they need extra precautions like shade, fans, and cool water to prevent heat stress. In cold climates, they need shelter from wind, rain and snow. They are not suitable for keeping in small backyards; they need adequate pasture space.41

Food basics what goes in the bowl

The primary diet for Suri alpacas is quality pasture grass and hay. They also need specially formulated alpaca pellets to provide essential vitamins and minerals, and free-choice minerals specific to alpacas. Fresh, clean water must always be available, and in winter the water containers need to be checked regularly to prevent freezing. They chew cud and have a three-chambered stomach adapted to grazing.43

Company who they like around

Suri alpacas are highly social herd animals and should never be kept alone. A minimum of two alpacas is recommended, but a small herd is ideal. They need the companionship of other alpacas to thrive, and they can also bond with llamas if kept together. They are generally gentle and can be handled, but they may be nervous if approached from behind. They are not suitable as a single pet; they need at least one companion of the same gender (or neutered) to be happy.14

The story where it all began

The Suri alpaca is a variety of the domestic alpaca, which was domesticated from the wild vicuña in the Andean highlands of Peru about 7,000 years ago. The Suri is distinguished from the other alpaca breed, the Huacaya, by its long, silky, lustrous locks that hang straight down. This lock structure is caused by a genetic difference in the fibre growth pattern. Suri alpacas were historically bred by the Inca for their luxurious fleece, which was reserved for royalty. After the Spanish conquest, their numbers declined sharply, and they were pushed to higher elevations. Suri alpacas were first imported to the United States in the early to mid-1980s, and they now make up only about 10% of the world's alpaca population. They are kept today for their fibre, as well as for showing and as companion animals.2136

Recognised by the official bits

Alpaca breed registries

Suri is one of the two recognised alpaca breeds, distinguished by its lock-forming fleece.5