Calling them the “heroes of deserts and highlands,” the United Nations has declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids.
Camelids are members of the biological family Camelidae, which include dromedary camels, Bactrian camels, wild Bactrian camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
Camelids play a key role in the culture, economy, food security and livelihoods of communities in Andean highlands and in the arid and semi-arid lands in Africa and Asia. The UN calls them an example of animals that build resilience to climate change. Even in extremely harsh conditions, they continue to produce fibre and nutritious food, and could benefit even more people globally with increased awareness and investment.
Speaking of awareness and investment… Alpaca agri-tourism has seen a big increase in popularity in just the past couple of decades. For example, In Ontario, there were only a handful of Alpaca farms 20 years ago. Now there are more than 60.
Keith Adam of Serendipity Farm & Sanctuary west of Ottawa started breeding llamas and alpacas when he and his wife transitioned away from corporate careers. They later started taking in unwanted llamas and alpacas from other farms and became what he calls, “crazy busy” with llama walks in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keith Adam said he expects even more interest at his farm and sanctuary because of the UN’s declaration and the resulting curiosity, adding, “They are very calming creatures, they read people very, very well … they get you to their level, which is just chill!”
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