We have exciting news!

The first cria of the season has arrived!  Calla Lily delivered a beautiful little girl yesterday.  We are delighted to introduce you to baby Clarissa!

Just dried off. Less than one hour old!

Lily carried her cria for 339 days - which is a tiny bit early, but great for Lily as she has a history of delivering very early.  The baby is showing some signs of being a bit premature, but she is big and active!
Born early in the day, it was still cool and damp out so I dried her with a towel and then warmed her with a hair dryer.    I left her covered with a warm towel for just a moment while I checked on Lily as she delivered her placenta - and look what I found when I returned!  Up on her feet, walking, and dragging that warming towel right along with her!

active and strong!

kisses from mom

For the first part of the day, we left Lily and her baby in the upper paddock with just a few alpaca friends so that mom and baby could get acquainted and bond. Lily has been a good mom, but had some issues with bonding with her crias at first, so we want to make sure that there is not too much outside interference so they can get off to a good start.

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Destiny welcomes her new sister

Destiny (Lily's 5 year old daughter) and Lily are very bonded.  I expect these (now 3) girls will stay a close little group.

sweet little family! Lily in the middle with a daughter on each side.

a curious herd watches and waits for their chance to meet the new arrival

We were able to let mom and baby into the larger grassy area a little later in the day.

on the move!

keeping close to mom!

ahhhh... nursing.

the young ladies politely meet the newest addition

night clothes on - time for bed!

Lily and Clarissa retire to the smaller upper paddock for the night - again with just a few friends as we don't want too much outside interference.  It's been a long and stressful day, but we are hopeful that our girl is off to a good start!  Tomorrow we will introduce her to the rest of the herd.