Macho -

Macho is a term used to describe a male alpaca used for breeding. It is also the name of Edgar’s Mission’s first alpaca. Macho arrived on the 14th of January 2008. The somewhat shy little jet black fellow with his funny lower bucked teeth was about 5 months old.

Far removed from his ancestors’ homeland of South America, Macho, like his forefathers, upon arrival in Australia settled in to his new home rather well. Quickly bonding with his sheepy friends he loyally follows them about the farm.

Alpaca’s belong to the camel family, Camelidae, of the order Artiodactyla, which includes llamas, hippopotamuses, pigs, deer, giraffes, sheep, goats and cattle. Somewhat smaller than llamas, alpacas have fleece that is also much prized, often in terms of the economic benefits it can bestow. And sadly for some of these inquisitive but reserved fellows they have become what emus were about 20 years ago: a means to get rich quick, that many quickly tire of when returns wane.

Such was the case for Macho and his mum. An overcrowded paddock and an owner with many things to worry about, (clearly tending his charges was not one of them). Too little feed saw several of the herd die a slow agonizing death of starvation, Macho and his mum were quickly going this way too until their rescue. A testament to a mothers love, Machos mum put everything into her son, and despite the best of care she died. Macho’s legacy is stunted growth, which sees him very small for his age. Only time will tell if he has suffered any further health issues. Alpacas are noted for their ability to withstand harsh conditions and many adverse years, so one can imagine the conditions of Macho’s flock were pretty dire. But with the tender loving care he will receive for the term of his natural life things are now looking pretty good for young Macho, although he will never fulfil his name sake of being a stud animal.

It hasn’t taken Macho long to realize that we here are the good guys as he meanders up for a closer inspection, but he reminds us that it is on his terms, not ours, and if we venture too close he is off. One cannot help but smile as Macho looks deep into your inner being and offers you his toothy grin. I trust what he sees pleases him.

Do you want to be a Best Buddy to Macho?