First llama exports from NZ

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First llama exports from NZ

3News NZ

The shipment of 31 llamas and alpacas is costing the Taiwanese more than $200,000

The shipment of 31 llamas and alpacas is costing the Taiwanese more than $200,000

By Jessica Rowe

New Zealand’s first export shipment of live llamas is about to be air freighted to Taiwan.

There are only 1500 llamas in New Zealand, and if the Taiwanese could have their way they say they'd take the lot.

Zion is one of seven llamas and 24 alpacas boarding the plane for Taiwan next week.

Anne Thompson bought six llamas over from the States five years ago, costing her around $100,000. She's finally getting some return on her investment.

“I wish I was there to greet them off the plane and see their faces when they see these beautiful animals walk off the plane,” says Ms Thompson.

Southern Alpaca Stud's Linda Blake has already sent one shipment of alpacas to Taiwan. They were so popular the Taiwanese wanted more. But this time, they asked for llamas too.

“It's always sad to see them go, but it's always exciting to see our animals populating the world,” says Ms Blake.

In New Zealand, llamas are used as pets, for fleece and carrying luggage on treks.

In Taiwan, the larger llamas may be used for small children to ride on.

The shipment of 31 llamas and alpacas is costing the Taiwanese more than $200,000, and there are more shipments to come.

A pregnant female alpaca with good genes could go for about $15,000, and a llama, slightly less than that.

“We've done a lot of work with them but they've got to grow up and leave home some time,” says Ms Thompson.

It's not easy for the llamas to be separated from their herd, but at the rate the Taiwanese orders are coming in, it won't be long before more South American camelid will be joining their pals in East Asia.

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Comments

16/10/2012 9:44:50 p.m.

Linda wrote:

Let me reassure those people who are concerned about exporting animals. We have exported alpacas for ten years and we visit them in their new country and run education courses for owners. We have been pleased with how people we sell to look after their animals. They are not about to ill-treat their expensive new investment. New Zealand has very strict quarantine requirements and animal welfare requirements for export and for travel. I did say this to the TV reporter but not all that is said can get used in a short news item. You can see photos of alpacas and llamas in their travel crates and also arriving in good shape in their new country on our website

15/10/2012 8:11:00 a.m.

Hans wrote:

just want to comment on this, we have send many alpacas to all over the world included Taiwan and they are treated better then when you are traveling Catlle class. also the new owners are educated about alpacas by us and we are in close contact with them to give them all the advice they need. not many sales people can say this.

14/10/2012 10:00:39 a.m.

grow up wrote:

come on guys u say this is about money, people breed sheep and cows to be slaughtered where in some countrys they are holy. people in other countrys eat dogs and cats. people even breed horses and ponys to be ridden yet you have a problem with a animal not even native to our country being exported for profit? if we were exporting horses would it be so bad. what if we were breeding llamas for food and exporting it? would u condone this? we kil possums for fur yet they are protected in australia? who is the real criminal? everybody. Every different culture and nationality have there own beliefs which they are entitled too so allow them the right to do so. grow up and get on with your lives, theres so many bigger problems in the world that u do nothing about so why pick a single topic that was on the news?

14/10/2012 8:22:52 a.m.

sam wrote:

Exactly Karen . I watched this piece last night , the people doing this exporting made it sound like such a fluffy little adventure as if the trip wont be stressfull for them and what about their welfare in a country with next to no animal welfare law and regard for animals . What is exactly is their fate ? to be ridden, gee , how could these people do this , oh thats right its just money to them.

13/10/2012 8:48:08 p.m.

Karen Fletcher wrote:

Are u kidding, please follow those animals on their journey before you advocate a good feel story - I have my doubts.