At Sentinel Ranch Alpacas, spring and summer mean one thing: it’s cria season! But what exactly is a cria?
A cria (pronounced kree-uh) is the term for a baby alpaca.
💬 Where Does the Word "Cria" Come From? 🦙🇪🇸
The word cria comes from Spanish, where it means baby or offspring. It comes from the verb "criar," meaning to raise or to breed. 🐾
In the Andes — where alpacas originally come from — this word is used for the young of alpacas, llamas, and other camelids. It’s a perfect name for our tiniest, fluffiest herd members! 💛
These sweet little bundles of fleece usually weigh between 15 and 20 pounds at birth but are up and walking within the first hour! Their rapid adjustment to the world is just one of the many fascinating aspects of alpaca life.
A Morning Surprise
Interestingly, alpacas tend to give birth during the day—usually between 7 AM and 5 PM. This timing isn’t random; it’s nature’s way of giving the newborns a full day of sunlight to dry off and start nursing before the cooler nighttime temperatures set in. This means if you book a morning or midday tour with us, you just might get lucky enough to witness a cria’s first steps!
Cria Personalities
Crias are full of personality. They're playful, social, and incredibly curious. Watching them romp around the pasture, race each other, or nuzzle their moms is pure joy. Their fleece is unbelievably soft—finer than adult alpacas—and they’re truly a sight to see.
See the Crias for Yourself
We invite you to come experience the magic of new life on the ranch. Guided tours are available, and there’s always a chance you’ll get to meet our newest family members. Bring your camera and your sense of wonder!
📍 Visit us at Sentinel Ranch, Text us at 406-577-4310 to book your tour!
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