Alpacas

Updated 10/22/26

Let's meet our three alpacas: Fuzzy Charlie Kozak, Fluffy Matt Waldron, and Pablo! 

Charlie is the brown-and-white alpaca. He's 7 years old and is a special mix of 75% alpaca and 25% llama. Fluffy Matt is 6 years old and completely white. He has quite a rescue story! He was found abandoned in someone's front yard in poor condition, but a caring family nursed him back to health before bringing him to the zoo. Matt is very sweet and has a skin condition that affects hair growth on his legs. Since he has less fur to keep him warm, he wears a jacket during especially cold winter weather. 

Pablo, our youngest at 3 years old, is all brown. He was also found abandoned, this time in Wasilla, before coming to live at the zoo. 

Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains of South America, where they've been domesticated for thousands of years. Around 6,000 years ago, they were bred for their incredibly soft, thick fleece! 

Alpacas usually weigh between 90 and 200 pounds and stand about 3.5 to 4 feet tall. Their thick coats protect them from chilly mountain temperatures. They're also specially adapted to high altitudes, where the air contains less oxygen. Their blood has extra red blood cells, and their hemoglobin is especially good at carrying oxygen. 

Alpacas are herbivores, eating grass and hay, along with leafy greens and occasional fruit and vegetable treats here at the zoo. Instead of upper front teeth, they have a hard dental pad that helps them grip and chew their food. Their padded feet also help them travel across rocky ground. 

Every spring, our alpacas get a much-needed haircut to help them stay comfortable as the weather warms up. Sometimes, our zookeepers have a little fun with their fleece, giving them some extra style! Right now, Pablo is growing out his gorgeous mullet.  

Alpacas are social animals that feel safest in herds. When one spots danger, it can alert the others. But watch out if an alpaca feels cornered! They can spit, and they're surprisingly accurate. Luckily, our alpacas have the freedom to make new friends or move away if they need more space. 

If Fluffy Matt comes over to the fence, he might be hoping for a good scratch. Charlie, on the other hand, might be tempted to nibble your coat! 

Follow the Alaska Zoo online for more alpaca antics throughout the year! From fluffy winter coats and silly spring haircuts to unexpected poses, Charlie, Matt, and Pablo always find a way to make us smile. You never know what these fuzzy friends will get up to next!