Ranger has a new buddy!

We are excited to announce that at 344 days gestation, Damaris delivered her cria on Monday!  A darling little male covered in curly white fiber!  

Damaris's cria - just an hour old.

Even though Damaris is brown, we were not surprised by the white baby.  He takes after his Dad, Accoyo America Triumph, who is solid white.

10:15 am. Resting in the shade.

Just 2 hours earlier, Damaris is resting (relatively) comfortably in the shade.

Though she was spotted resting comfortably just minutes before, delivery started a few minutes after noon.  Damaris delivered quickly and seemingly effortlessly. ​  Look at the time-stamps on the photos!
Be warned, the group of 5 photos below are of the actual delivery...  Please scroll past if you wish.   
​After the 5 delivery photos, there are more photos of the baby.

12:14 pm. Delivery just started.

12:25 pm. Head and feet are out.

12:31 pm. Making progress!

12:31 pm. Almost here!

12:32 pm. Success!

Damaris delivery -  start to finish was less than 20 minutes!

12:35 pm. Towel dried and inspected!

The entire female herd was on hand to greet the new arrival.  They are curious and very gentle with the baby.

12:39 pm. Lots of encouragement from many alpaca admirers!

12:44 pm. First wobbly steps!

12:59 pm. Nursing!

We are always delighted - and relieved - to see the cria up on its feet and nursing right away.  Damaris is a particularly patient and nurturing mom, and this cria seems robust and healthy.

Ranger greets the newest addition.

Young Ranger will be this little guy's companion growing up.  It's nice to see them together from the start!  It's a little too early for play, but we expect to see them running around the pasture soon! 

Are you wondering why we haven't announced his name?  That's because we won't be naming him.  His new owners will give him a name!  Both Ranger and his mom Little Lilli, and this little guy and Damaris, have been sold!  They are staying here for just a few weeks until they move to their new home.

The next cria due (and the last of the season), is Leilani's.  Leilani and Damaris were bred on the same day, so we expect her cria any time now.  Our fingers are crossed - we're hoping for a girl.  We want little Clarissa to have a pal, too!