from Lehigh Valley Zoo
Lehigh Valley Zoo, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), is excited to announce the birth of another male baby alpaca, also known as a cria, born to mother Illuminati and father Havoc on Aug. 22. This marks the second-ever alpaca birth at LV Zoo — the first being the cria’s brother, Buzz, born to the same parents nearly one year prior on Sept. 12, 2023.
An examination was performed by the zoo’s veterinarian team on Aug. 23, and it was determined the newborn is a healthy male, weighing 13.6 Ib.
Illuminati and her cria spent the first few days in the barnyard shelter stalls to allow for bonding, nursing, and rest. This time allowed for the cria to gain strength and master his mobility skills. Since Aug. 26, both have been out on exhibit during the day with the rest of the barnyard animals. LV Zoo’s animal care staff had been closely monitoring Illuminati for signs of pregnancy. Alpaca gestation typically lasts around 11-12 months.
Six-year-old Illuminati and eight-year-old Havoc arrived at LV Zoo together in October 2022 from a private facility for breeding purposes. Alpacas are native to the central and southern Andes Mountains, from Peru to Argentina, and are the smallest of the domesticated camelid species.
The new alpaca still needs a name. In partnership with LVHN, LV Zoo is hosting a naming contest on Facebook this week — allowing guests and followers the opportunity to decide the final official name by voting for their favorite finalist.
LVHN is the Official Motherhood Partner of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
The post LV Zoo Welcomes a Newborn Alpaca appeared first on BCTV.
Source: bctv
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