SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa - Lehigh Valley Zoo announced the arrival of a new male baby alpaca, also called a cria, born to mother Illuminati and father Havoc on August 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, according to the press release.
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.
New male baby alpaca - Photo courtesy Lehigh Valley Zoo
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.
Photo courtesy Lehigh Valley Zoo
The new alpaca still needs a name.
In partnership with LVHN, LV Zoo is hosting a naming contest on Facebook next 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.
About Lehigh Valley Zoo:
As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries.
Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Nature Preserve, the mission of the Lehigh Valley Zoo is to connect its community with nature to empower people to protect wildlife.
They have achieved their mission and educated more than five million people.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lehigh Valley Zoo hosts year-round, family-friendly events and activities, educational programs, and camps.
To learn more about Lehigh Valley Zoo, visit their website, www.lvzoo.org, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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