The West Lothian Courier has teamed up with Blair Drummond Safari Park to offer readers the chance to win a family pass for two adults and two children each week - and learn more about their residents at the same time.
Last month, the safari park welcomed some new additions to the Pets Farm section of the park.
Communications and conservation officer Jamie-Leigh Green said: “Three adorable alpacas arrived in July, and after a month of quarantine, have successfully integrated into our existing herd.
“The three females are named Phantom, April and Megan. April is brown in colour, while Phantom and Megan are both fawn. Megan is the taller of the two and Phantom has the funkiest hair.
“Alpacas are the smallest members of the camel family and are mainly found in Peru and Bolivia.
“Alpacas and llamas are often confused for one another, but while they are closely related, they are not the same thing. Alpacas are much smaller than llamas and have shaggier coats.
“Alpaca wool is seen as being far superior to llama wool as it is both incredibly soft and strong.
“ It’s also water-resistant and non-flammable.
“Interestingly, there are no wild alpacas - the alpaca is the domesticated version of the vicuña. It is believed that they were domesticated about 6000 years ago.
“Alpacas are very gentle, social animals and need to be part of a herd. Alpacas kept in solitude are more likely to get sick and die, primarily due to low mood and related poor eating habits.
“They also get on well with other kinds of animals and will even protect smaller livestock from predators.
“Alpacas have a very hierarchical society and so it is important to understand their social structure when looking after them.
“They are famous for being very hygienic animals and prefer to live in clean surroundings.
“Instinctively, the members of an alpaca herd will all go to the toilet in the same area. This keeps waste away from any grazing areas and helps to prevent the spread of disease.
“Alpacas also work hard to keep their coats and teeth nice and clean.”
The safari park is open seven days a week from 10am-5.30pm Monday to Friday. Tickets can be booked online at blairdrummond.com.
For a chance to win a family pass, which can be used any one day during the opening season this year, just answer the following question: How long ago were alpacas domesticated?
Send the coupon to: Safari Park Competition, West Lothian Courier, One Central Quay, Glasgow, G3 8DA.
Deadline is Tuesday at 4pm. Only original vouchers.
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