Baby alpacas who 'look like ET' need naming


Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm manager Kate Ockleton said a lot of people had commented on the babies' appearance

Two baby alpacas and a set of goat triplets have all been born at the same time at a Suffolk farm, creating a bit of a naming dilemma.

The newborn crias are only the third and fourth baby alpacas to be born at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm near Ipswich.

Farm manager Kate Ockleton said it was hard to think of enough new names for them all, although there had been a lot of comments from visitors which may provide some inspiration. "Any suggestions for names would be very welcome," she said. "But a lot of people have been saying they look like [the fictional extraterrestrial] ET!"

The two crias - a boy and a girl - were born to their mothers Iris and Alina this week. "They have very long legs and are very sweet," said Ockleton.

"Alina is very protective - there has been a little bit of spitting and headbutting going on to keep us away from her baby, which is totally fine! Iris used to be a little bit nervous of us but after I wrapped her baby in my coat to keep her warm, we have bonded a little."


Alina gave birth to a brown-furred male

Ockleton said it had been a bit difficult to get the crias to feed at first so they were given a bottle provided by some of the farm's ewes.

The babies will stay with their mum for about seven months until weaning happens naturally.

All the animals born on the farm will remain there, Ockleton added.