In celebration of National Alpaca Farm Days this past weekend, the Harvard Alpaca Ranch on Mill Road opened its doors to guests eager to mingle and learn about alpacas and their care. Activities included a farm tour, where people got up close and personal with the herd, and a demonstration of alpaca agility by the talented young Summer Rain. Guests could also purchase alpaca wool goods from the shop and relax with cider and doughnuts.
Photos by Thomas Kilian
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Owen Wall points toward the herd of female alpacas from the arms of Martin Hawkes..
The blue-eye white (BEW) phenotype is uncharacteristic of most alpacas and is caused by a mutation in the KIT gene. While most of these blue-eyed individuals are deaf as well, Rosie here retains her hearing..
Carol Zimmet explains the obstacles in the agility course that she trains alpacas to navigate.
The tour group stops to watch newborn Hazel Ivy nurse from her mom Isabella as Isabella’s other daughter, Liberty Belle, waits her turn..
Leo Xiong sticks his tongue out at the camera while his mom, Jingyun Li, attempts to corral him.
Liz Hawkes takes a selfie with her grandson Owen Wall.
Isabella the alpaca shows off her underbite. Alpacas have teeth only on their lower jaw and use them to grind food against their hard top palate.
Carol Zimmet guides Summer Rain through a hula hoop as part of an alpaca agility course.
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