Union animal shelter holding vote for baby alpaca's name
A new arrival at the Long Meadow Rescue Ranch in Union is getting a lot of attention, even though he doesn't yet have a name.
UNION, Mo. – A new arrival at the Long Meadow Rescue Ranch in Union is getting a lot of attention, even though he doesn't yet have a name.
"He is a spunky little guy. He's very sweet. He loves to run and play in his stall. Everyone at long meadow just loves him," Sarah Schimmele, social media director of the Humane Society of Missouri, said.
A new member of the family joins an animal rescue ranch quite by surprise. Schimmele says the brand new cria, or baby alpaca came out of nowhere.
"It was a hectic day," Schimmele said. "We were not aware that she was pregnant, but our staff is amazing and was prepared to help her."
Schimmele says the mother had health issues upon the baby’s arrival. She says the mother couldn't produce colostrum, which is the first milk, with dense nutrients that a baby needs.
"Both mom and baby are very healthy and doing wonderfully now," Schimmele said. "She is now able to provide for him 100%, but we're here if she needs anything from us."
It may take some time before the baby alpaca is available to be viewed by his inevitable adoring fans.
The ranch wants to give him time to grow just a little bit longer before he can meet the public.
In the meantime, an important factor remains to be decided. The cria doesn't have a name! The ranch is asking for your help!
"This cria is very special, because we're actually hosting a naming competition for him," said Schimmele.
Voters have four choices to choose from: Michael, Pacha, Fruitloop, and Alpacachino. The winning name will be announced on Oct. 28.
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