Chicago’s newest girl gang has found its home at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Six female alpacas have arrived at the zoo, the first time since 2019 that the animals have been homed at the North Side zoo, according to a news release. They range in age from one to 24 years old.
Each of the alpacas has a distinct look, and zoo visitors should be able to tell who is who.
Starlight has the lightest fur and curly fleece on the top of her head. Zsa Zsa is slightly darker in color with a straight topknot on her head and Gracie’s coat is a caramel color with darker fur around her face.
The remaining three — Maya, Sara and Grettle — have black fleece. Maya has the darkest coloring without a large knot on top of her head, while Grettle seems to have bangs falling over her eyes. Sara is the lightest black alpaca with a poofy topknot.
“These six ladies have quickly won over their care team with their sweet personalities and friendly demeanors,” Lincoln Park Zoo curator Dan Boehm said in the release. “It’s great to welcome back such a beloved species to Lincoln Park Zoo, and we’re excited for people to meet the new herd!”
Alpacas are typically gentle and social. They can make different kinds of noises, ranging from a droning hum to a sharper alarm call used as a way to warn others of danger.
Hailing from the Andes Mountains in Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina, alpacas will adapt well to Chicago’s climate, the release said. Their thick fleece will allow them to be comfortable in the winter, as it’s similar to the high-altitude weather of their native mountains.
