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Save Suri Alpacas

Help continue global efforts to improve genetics in Suri alapcas

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Save Suri Alpacas

Save Suri Alpacas

Save Suri Alpacas

Save Suri Alpacas

Save Suri Alpacas

Help continue global efforts to improve genetics in Suri alapcas

Help continue global efforts to improve genetics in Suri alapcas

Help continue global efforts to improve genetics in Suri alapcas

Help continue global efforts to improve genetics in Suri alapcas

Kirk Lentz
Kirk Lentz
Kirk Lentz
Kirk Lentz
2 Campaigns |
Livingston, United States
$1,325 USD 8 backers
265% of $500 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Choose your Perk

finger puppet

$10 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 10 of claimed

custom card

$10 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 10 of claimed

Alpaca magnet-small

$10 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 15 of claimed

Alpaca magnet-large

$10 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 8 of claimed

Raw Suri alpaca fiber-1lb

$10 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
1 out of 100 of claimed

Alpaca Suri yarn - hand-spun

$25 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
1 out of 8 of claimed

Alpaca Suri roving - 4 oz

$25 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 30 of claimed

Socks-outdoor- size= medium

$40 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 3 of claimed

Gloves- reversible

$40 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 4 of claimed

Mittens - reversible

$40 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
1 out of 4 of claimed

Scarf

$50 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 10 of claimed

Hats - winter

$50 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 15 of claimed

Custom Hand-spun yarn

$50 USD
Est. Shipping
December 2014
2 out of 10 of claimed

Adopt an alpaca- 1-year

$100 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2014
1 out of 25 of claimed

Own an alpaca

$1,000 USD
1 out of 7 of claimed
Highlights
Mountain Filled 2 Projects Mountain Filled 2 Projects

Short Summary

My wife and I started raising suri alpacas in 2007 starting with just 4 animals.  Over the past 7 years thru some breeding but a lot of adopting animals that otherwise might not have been well-taken care of or, worse, put down, we now have 31 alpacas and 2 very large llamas.  We only ever intended to have 20-25 animals as we believe that is about what our land in this high alpine desert climate can sustainably support.  But by helping others we have about 40% more animals than we intended when we started. 

What We Need & What You Get

We need to fertilize our pastures.  For a variety of reasons, we have not fertilized for a few years, but now we feel that we must fertilize them not only for the animals but for the land itself.  The terrible drought of 2012 was a major step back in our otherwise successful efforts to improve our pastures from the overgrazing that the previous owners allowed.  We have had our soil analyzed and have found a source of the appropriate fertilizer.  Applying fertilizer this spring will not only help the land recover but will help us continue our preservation efforts on saving the genetic lineage of the Suri alpaca.  The funds received will go towards improving the pastures for these wonderful animals so that they roam and exercise as nature intended.  The more finds we receive the more consecutive years we will be able to guarantee that the pastures will be fertilized.

Take a look at the perks you can receive for a contribution – notice that all of them are alpaca related.  What a wonderful way to help us and help spread the word of these amazing animals and their fiber. 

The Impact

Alpacas produce a wonderful  fiber that is shorn once a year.  The fiber is then processed and made into products just like sheep’s wool. Like sheep’s wool, alpaca is a natural fiber that is naturally water repellent and keeps you warm even when wet.  However, unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca is stronger, warmer, much softer (many compare it to cashmere but it doesn’t pill), and is hypoallergenic (nearly everyone that is allergic to sheep’s wool are not allergic to alpaca).  There are 2 breeds of alpaca 90% of alpacas are Huacaya, the other 10% are Suri.  The only difference between the two types of fiber produced is that the Huacaya is fluffy and springy like sheep’s wool whereas the Suri is straight and slick.  Suri fiber is known for its luster and high-end clothing manufacturers will often use it in place of silk because of this characteristic.  But the Suri breed is always at risk of being “lost” due to low numbers.  In fact, they were almost eliminated during the Spanish conquests of South America in the 1500’s because Suri fiber was reserved for Inca royalty.  Until about 20 years ago it seems that the Suri breed was all but forgotten, but great efforts around the world, including the United States have made great strides in bringing this breed back.  My wife and I, both being science teachers, are proud to be part of that effort, and you can, too.  By helping us fertilize our pastures, you will be helping us to save and improve the genetics of this wonderful species.

Other ways You Can Help

Let you friends know of our need and spread the word.  As you can see, our current supplies of alpaca items is limited, don’t let your friends and family miss out.


Visit the gallery during the campaign to view pictures of the animals and the perks

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