Vicuna
Vicugna vicugna vicugna
We have a small herd of vicuna in our drive-through reserve: Austria, Coco, Juanita, Ozzy, Cusi and Tupac.
Native to the high alpine areas of the Andes Mountains in South America, with their dense fleece trapping air and providing excellent insulation against extreme temperatures.
Vicuna are the smallest members of the camel family, which includes llamas and alpacas.
Population
Increasing
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Grasslands
Fact file
Vicuna wool is renowned for being one of the world’s softest and finest natural fibres
They have a large heart (50% heavier than similar-sized mammals) that helps them cope with low oxygen levels
Their lower incisors grow constantly like a rodent’s. They are the only ungulate (hoofed animal) with continuously growing teeth
They are the national animal of Peru, and they are featured on the Peruvian coat of arms
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care, our vicuna are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation