M.V.C. (Most Valuable Camelid)
Suri alpacas are unique in the animal kingdom.  The luster and cuticular scale structure of their fleece is superior to cashmere and the finest Merino wool.  Suri alpacas have a unique characteristic that distinguishes them from all other camelids. Straight fiber. Their fiber grows parallel to the body while hanging in long, separate, distinctive locks. Combined with their gentle nature, extraordinary intelligence, ease of breeding, and adaptability to hot and cold climates, suris are a valuable addition to any herd.    
 

 

HERITAGE

Archaeological records show that alpacas have been domesticated for roughly 6,000 years. Suris themselves were a distinct breed in pre-Colonial times. Their fleece was widely used in textiles, pottery, and native jewelry. Today, their fiber still brings a premium price. Suris were first brought to the United States from Bolivia in 1991. Andy and Cheryl Tillman are the only importers to ever breed suri alpacas in South America and then export them to the United States.

CHARACTERISTICS, HABITS & BEHAVIOR

The feathers of the Rhea bird are suri. A hard rain that falls straight down is suri. The Andean pan pipe's aresuri. Suri appears to be a noun or adjective from the Aymara language, one of the two Native American language groups in the Andes Mountains.  There are 8 million Aymara speakers in the world, all but one million of whom live in Bolivia, which may suggest that suri's originated from what is now this country.  In pre-Colonial times, the Aymaras were known as weavers and herdsmen. According to the Aymara-speaking herdsmen we worked with in Bolivia, suri means straight in their native language.

Suri fiber is incredibly soft and has an exquisite luster, which is a primary reason it is purchased by the textile industry. It blends well with other fabrics including wool and silk. Suri fleece may be straight, twisted, flat, or fan-shaped.  Most breeders prefer twisted locks.

Suri alpacas are timid when compared to llamas, but extremely gentle around people who know them. They are vigorous little creatures with intuitive minds and beaming personalities. They have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Typically, suris are much smaller than llamas. Their average weight is between 130 and 160 pounds.