KANE YOUNG
April 17, 2009 03:17pm
HAVE you herd the news? Hundreds of alpaca aficionados will flock to Salamanca tomorrow.
The fluffy, long-lashed beauties will be on show for the ninth annual Paca Picnic.
Organiser Mike Dowd said the popular picnic was usually held each January but was postponed this year because of the Da Vinci Machines Exhibition -- leaving many alpaca fans wondering what had happened to their fleecy friends.
"A lot of people really look forward to it," he said.
"People have been ringing up saying 'What's happened? Where is it?'"
Mr Dowd, who runs the Dowpaca Holdings stud farm at Allens Rivulet south of Hobart, said people of all ages were fascinated by the affable and inquisitive creatures, who are gentle on the land and make great pets.
"It's their placid nature I think," he said.
"People get mesmerised when they look at the animal and look into its eyes -- the eyes have got a character all of their own.
"A lot of people are getting them for small acreages, and as pets. It's great to see them roaming around a paddock. People generally start off with two wethers (castrated males) which cost about $500-$550 each, so you can get into it for as little as about $1100."
Ten of the state's 80 registered breeders will be on hand at tomorrow's event, along with about 30 alpacas.
Visitors can talk to owners and breeders about alpacas, and get up close and personal with the animals. Products made from their lightweight, soft and versatile fleece will be available for sale.
The Tasmanian Region of the Australian Alpaca Association presents the Paca Picnic on the Parliament House Lawns (next to Salamanca Market) from 9am-3pm tomorrow. Entry is free.
http://www.themercury.com.au/art ... _tasmania-news.html |
微信扫一扫
提升卡
置顶卡
变色卡
抢沙发
