The Alpacas of Newcastle Are Calling

Looking into an alpaca’s eyes is a singular experience. Like sheep and goats, alpacas have large, rectangular pupils that give them enhanced peripheral depth perception. It’s a great advantage for a prey animal to keep ahead of predators, but it can give us round-pupiled individuals the willies.

Thankfully, everything else about the ungulates is evolutionarily programmed to be adorable. They’re soft and oh-so-fluffy, and that fleece isn’t just fun to pet—it can be spun into some of the warmest, moisture-wicking fabric known to man. And they grow a lot of it too. Unlike their larger llama cousins, alpacas tend to have a sweet disposition and only spit when they feel extremely threatened.

To celebrate 2024’s Leap Day, the kind folks at Magnolia Blossom Ranch in Newcastle opened their gates for a free day of ungulate adulation so more Oklahomans can get to know these oft-misunderstood creatures.

Who thought farm life could be so glamorous? None of us windswept humans looked this good. Photo courtesy Lyndsey Coffee

At the Newcastle ranch, more than forty alpacas thrive under the brilliant western Oklahoma sunshine. Some are huacaya—also known as teddy bears, which is a little too cute for comfort—and some are suri, which appear to covered in dreadlocks. Visitors are encouraged to purchase feed cups or apple treats. While the alpacas aren’t aggressive in the least, they are much easier to pet when they have an incentive to stand still.

Since there were dozens, if not hundreds, of people and small children all petting the ’pacas on Leap Day Free Day, I was mildly concerned that they would be stressed, but they were unfazed. Even Cocoa, the youngest resident who hadn’t even been shorn yet, was calm and happy to accept feed from the palm of my hand. I couldn’t believe how soft her fleece was—it was like touching a cloud.

My seven-year-old niece, Aria, was thrilled to pet a little gray cat that meandered between the alpacas’ legs.

“You can pet your two cats at home,” I teased, before a little Jack Russell terrier approached me and I bent to joyfully pet the dog—which I have three of at home.

The alpacas at Magnolia aren't shy about eating. They'll take the cup right out of your hands if you don't maintain a good grip. Photo courtesy Lyndsey Coffee

The males and females are divided up into different areas, so after we visited each of the ladies, we made our way to the boys. In this area, visitors also could meet two llamas (apparently the female llamas prefer to be left alone). They were much more standoffish compared with the alpacas, but they accepted my apple treats and allowed me a very brief pat before backing away. I wasn’t afraid, necessarily, but as llamas are much more likely to spit, I gave him his space.

Karlie loves animals of all kinds, but particularly fluffy ones that tolerate being petted. Photo courtesy Lyndsey Coffee

Before we left, we had to take a little of the experience with us. The well-stocked gift shop has all kinds of socks, gloves, hats, and other cozy items made with alpaca fleece. My friend Lyndsey even got some incredibly soft yarn to make something special for a loved one.

During the car ride home, we made plans to return. Anyone can book a visit at Magnolia Blossom Ranch—it’s only $7 per person and each group gets an hour with the alpacas and their knowledgeable handlers. I can’t wait to return, to sink my hands into their luxurious fleece and learn what other secrets these strange and wonderful creatures hold.

Written By

Karlie Ybarra

Managing editor Karlie Ybarra loves to explore her home state—and meet many of its animal citizens—any chance she gets.