Alpacas Back in the Vivarium: Children's hearts beat higher!

Alpacas Back in the Vivarium: Children's hearts beat higher!

From now on you can visit the charming alpacas in the Vivarium Darmstadt. These animal newcomers bring a fresh breeze with them and revitalize the former kangaroo enclosure, which now houses three mares. The return of the alpacas is not only due to current popularity, but also the special wish of young visitors who regularly to the zoo with the association for children with cancer and chronically ill. V. Darmstadt. The zoo had held and bred alpacas about 50 years ago, and those responsible are pleased to continue this tradition and thereby enable computer test in the hands of the children. According to Rhein Main Verlag, Alpakas attract not only with their friendly nature, but also with their fascinating history, since they were probably breeded from Vikunjas about 6,000 years ago and once the Incas served.

from wool to popularity in hobby husbandry - alpacas are now very popular in Germany. Over three million alpacas live in Peru alone, and in this country too, these new world camelids are becoming increasingly popular. They are seamlessly included in the large number of around 1,500 animals that can be admired in the Vivarium on an area of ​​5 hectares. In addition, there are many other exotic and local animal species to discover. There are also attractions such as a petting zoo with African dwarf goats, a playground and a restaurant that make the visit a special experience. For those interested, numerous zoo pedagogy offers such as tours, workshops and courses for children and adults take place. The Vivarium website offers more details at vivarium.darmstadt.de.

unique comparisons and challenges in animal husbandry

Visitors in the Vivarium have the opportunity to compare the domesticated form of the vicunja, which is also held there. This is not only a lot of fun for animal lovers, but also opens up exciting insights into the world of camelids. These are of great importance for humans, which also emphasizes the UN, which declared in 2024 for the International Year of Camelids. Here the cultural and ecological relevance of animals such as alpacas and lamas are recognized, which are increasingly popular in agriculture and hobby posture.

The alpacas are also in the focus of current scientific surveys: On October 30, 2024, a conference will take place in the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Jena, where experts will discuss challenges in animal husbandry and health of new world camelids. The event is organized together with the Justus Liebig University in Gießen, which develops species-appropriate forms of husbandry and animal health as part of a funded project. One of the goals is to gain more data on infectious diseases that can affect both animals and humans. Interested parties should definitely note this appointment in the calendar.

For animal lovers and families, the Vivarium Darmstadt not only offers a unique opportunity to experience alpacas up close, but also to get insights into the challenges of modern animal husbandry. Anyone who wants to learn more about alpacas or is interested in animal experiences can book exciting hope and tours at Luna Alpakas.