Warm and woolly Zena farm makes unique alpacas feel right at home in northeast Oklahoma L
ast year’s record cold temperatures have many people wondering if Old Man Winter will give a repeat performance in 2012. Show of hands: anyone up for another round of 30-below? No one? While we can’t control the weather, we do have complete control over how much cold we feel. Yes, the battle against sub-zero temperatures is as good as won, thanks to the luxurious fleece of a funny-looking animal raised right here in northeast Oklahoma. Perhaps you’ve heard of the alpaca. If you’ve ever
seen one, it’s likely not an image you’ll soon forget. Alpacas are awkward in appearance with their long necks and flowing locks. If you’ve never had the pleasure of viewing one of these unique creatures up close and personal, just imagine an animal that is equal parts camel and sheep.
Alpacas are indigenous to the mountains of South America, where they have been bred for thousands of years for their prized coat, as well as meat. They were introduced to the United States in the 1980s and were bred with little consideration for fleece production. “People were just selling the animals. That was
the market. They were considered an exotic animal. People would buy several and just let them graze. The alpacas were really nothing more than fancy lawn ornaments,” explained Kathleen Callan. Callan and husband Tom own a herd of Suri alpacas at their home in Zena.
“Alpaca ranches would have barns half-full of
fleece. They didn’t know what to do with it or how to process it. There has always been a cottage industry of hand-spinners, but a lot of fleece was simply discarded.”
Interest in alpaca fleece has surged in recent years. It is unrivaled for softness and warmth. The ultra-fine fibers have a distinct hollow core and are characteristically lightweight, water-resistant and fire-retardant. Since it contains no lanolin, the fiber is also hypo-allergenic. Alpaca fleece is in high demand from top fashion designers like Armani. You’ll find alpaca garments on sale at high-end retailers like Nordstrom or Sacs Fifth Avenue. Alpaca can be blended with other fibers such as acrylic or wool. Garments made with 100 percent alpaca fleece can be quite expensive. You don’t have to break the bank to purchase quality alpaca items. Local alpaca growers ususally offer finished
6 Northeast Connection
products such as hats, mittens, scarves, socks, sweaters and more. People in increasing numbers are recognizing the light weight and great comfort provided by alpaca fleece. Of course, not all alpaca fleece is created equal. Simply shearing an animal does not necessarily guarantee one a paycheck.
Fleece can vary from animal to animal and can change as the animal ages. Fineness is carefully graded on a scale of one to five and there are 22 natural color variations with white being predominant. Fleece found across the back of the animal is considered the best. It is called the “blanket.” Zena Suri Alpacas is especially proud of the fleece
(continued on page eight)
Kathleen Callan knows each of
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