London Zoo is calling on the public to help name three new fluffy-haired alpacas

Alpacaccino or Toffee Nut? London Zoo is calling on the public to help name three new fluffy-haired alpacas ahead of its grand reopening next month

  • The three new fluffy-haired alpacas arrived at London Zoo about two weeks ago
  • Keepers have remained on site despite the zoo closing due to coronavirus rules
  • The public are asked to vote on a shortlist of names for the fluffy camelids 
  • The zoo is reopening to the public next month when the names will be revealed 

London Zoo is asking members of the public to come up with a name for three fluffy-haired alpacas ahead of its grand reopening after lockdown next month.   

A trio of young male South American alpacas, all less than a year old, arrived at the closed outdoor attraction from a British farm two weeks ago.

The fluffy creatures ‘instantly boosted spirits of dedicated staff’ who have continued to work on site to care for the animals through the pandemic, the zoo said.

Keepers have busied themselves getting to know the three youngsters since their arrival, and after whittling down choices to three names for each of them, are now asking people to cast the deciding vote.

Choices for names include Alpacaccino, Snowball, Toffee and Cookie, with the final decision made in a poll on the ZSL London Zoo website

Could this fluffy creature born on April 24 2020 be Alpacaccino, Cusco or Snowball?

The three new fluffy-haired alpacas arrived at London Zoo two weeks ago after being born on a British farm last year

The three new fluffy-haired alpacas arrived at London Zoo two weeks ago after being born on a British farm last year

THREE ALPACAS NEED A NEW NAME 

Alpaca One

Born April 24, 2020, white fur, loves rolling around in the grass 

Alpacaccino, Cusco or Snowball 

Alpaca Two

Born July 30, 2020, light brown fur, enjoys playing with his pals

Pumpkin spice, Lima or Cookie 

Alpaca Three

Born June 29, 2020 with darker brown fur and loves investigating keepers 

Toffee nut, Cuenca or Humbug 

The alpaca is a South American mammal related to the llama and kept in herds that graze in the Andes mountains of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.  

Alpaca keeper Veronica Heldt said: ‘It’s been a joy to welcome such adorable new arrivals during lockdown and we can’t wait for our visitors to meet the new trio.’

Like other attractions and venues throughout the UK, London Zoo has been shut since 2020 due to the national lockdown, but is due to open next month.

‘We know it’s been hard for our biggest fans, who have missed seeing the animals they love while we’ve been closed,’ said Heldt.

With that in mind they decided to ‘enlist everyone’s help to choose the perfect name for our newcomers.’ 

They shortlisted three options for each alpaca inspired by the ‘sweet treats’ that kept the keepers going through lockdown. 

‘We’re excited to find out if we’ll have an ‘Alpacaccino’ or a ‘Snowball’, a ‘Toffee’ or a ‘Cookie’– it’s up to our visitors now!’ 

Each of the three camelids are different, the team explained, adding the white alpaca loves to roll around in the paddock and is very skilled at avoiding keepers when they try to untangle twigs and straw from his magnificent cloud of hair. 

This alpaca was born in June 2020 and is going to be called either Toffee Nut, Cuenca or Humbug

This alpaca was born in June 2020 and is going to be called either Toffee Nut, Cuenca or Humbug

‘Our brown fluffy-haired alpaca is a real softy and likes nothing more than snuggling up to his pals,’ according to Heldt.

‘While the other brown alpaca, who has long straight locks, is the most vocal – he’s a brilliant hummer, and we’ve all agreed he can really hold a tune.’

According to keepers, all three alpacas have settled in well and will take on the important role of wildlife ambassadors when the zoo reopens.

The creatures have been spending their time playing in their enclosure and will help teach children visiting the zoo about animal welfare

The creatures have been spending their time playing in their enclosure and will help teach children visiting the zoo about animal welfare 

The youngest of the pack, born in July 2020, this alpaca will either be Pumpkin Spice, Lima or cookie, depending on the public vote

The youngest of the pack, born in July 2020, this alpaca will either be Pumpkin Spice, Lima or cookie, depending on the public vote

They will be helping to teach children about the importance of caring for animals during daily walks around the zoo’s 36 acres of parkland.

Heldt added: ‘It’s been a difficult start to the year for the zoo, with the third lockdown meaning we’ve missed out on yet more vital funds from ticket sales.

‘But we’re hoping the vote will help keep our supporters’ spirits high as we count down to the day we can finally reopen – and are once again able to share our central London nature haven with visitors.’

ALPACA: A FLUFFY CAMELID FROM SOUTH AMERICA 

The alpaca is a South American mammal related to the llama and kept in herds that graze in the Andes mountains of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

They are one of the camelid species, related very closely to the Llama to such an extent that the two can interbreed. 

It is thought they were domesticated from the wild species vicuna and guanaco about 6,000 years ago for their fleece.

It is also a pack animal and can carry 25kg of weight on its back for 10-12 miles per day up and down the mountains of the Andes.

They are prized as pets and cattle due to the fact they are docile and soft.

Alpacas are very sociable creatures, gentle, curious and interested in things and people around them, including other species.

They can be found in herds with other animals including llamas, goats and sheep, as well as other alpacas.