Alpacas: Your rescue update

Thanks to you, Ace, Gene and Vinnie Vincent – named after the band Kiss – are safe. When they were signed over because their owner could no longer care for them, it was your gift that helped rescue them.

Three dark brown alpacas stand together in a grassy meadow filled with yellow wildflowers.

An RSPCA rescue officer holds a square bale of hay in a green meadow while three alpacas watch him.

Slowly building trust

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Dean brought the alpacas fresh hay and water every day, which helped to earn their trust.

RSPCA rescue officers carefully guide three dark brown alpacas up a ramp into a transport trailer.

Ready for a fresh start

The rescue team successfully transported the alpacas to a boarding facility in Devon to get the care they needed.

Your support brought the right specialists together

Ace, Gene and Vinnie Vincent hadn’t been around people for a long time, so getting close to them took a lot of patience. Alpacas also need regular shearing and dental checks, and if these aren’t taken care of, issues can start to build up. When we rescued them, it was clear that all three needed some attention.

As alpacas are considered livestock by UK law, moving them involves strict transport rules. So, Dean decided to call in some additional expert help. He brought in an RSPCA welfare oversight officer, along with an RSPCA inspector and another animal rescue officer. Plus, we had support from a vet and equine experts from World Horse Welfare. Everyone brought their skills to make sure the trio were transported to a boarding facility safely.

A smiling RSPCA officer stands outside a wooden stable enclosure where three alpacas are resting.

This was a massive team effort, and I’m grateful to everyone involved – including you.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Dean Wilkins

Because you cared, they’re now safe and well

Transporting Ace, Gene and Vinnie Vincent wasn’t simple – as they’d never been handled, sudden movement could startle them. Everyone worked slowly, using gates to gently guide them towards the trailer. After a tense wait, all three climbed aboard calm and unharmed.

Since then, the alpacas have settled into life at the boarding facility. Thanks to you, they’ve had their fleece sheared, had dental treatment, and are getting all the ongoing care they need to feel comfortable. They’re still a little cautious, but growing more confident every day. “It’s been such a joy to see them thriving in their new environment,” says Dean.

None of this would have been possible without you. Thank you for joining the rescue.

Did you know?

Alpacas don’t naturally shed their fleece. It grows continuously, so they need shearing around once a year to stay comfortable and healthy.