What's an alpaca?

Firecracker Flash the alpaca
Firecracker Flash is a 1-year-old alpaca.
MPR Photo/Nikki Tundel

Alpaca's are animals in the camelid family and genetic cousins to the better-known and larger-in-size llama.

While alpacas are natively found in South America, there are about 3-thousand animals in Minnesota and about 100 registered breeders. The alpacas are raised for fleece, which is known for being the strongest animal fiber in the world and softer than cashmere.

Even though the woolly alpacas aren't being judged for competition, they've been on display for the past nine years. And, if you're interested in finding out what you can make from alpaca wool, you'll find some products on display at their display near the Coliseum.

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