Have you ever seen an alpaca being born?

If the answer is a resounding NO, then you are in for a treat.  Now, I have to preface this by saying; if you are a little squeamish, then maybe viewing the photos isn't for you.  If not, then let's go...

The reluctant specimen is FA Kimberlite, who is delivering her first cria, aptly named TCS Miss Independence, being born on July 4th.

The day began as any other.  Feeding, cleaning, and visiting with the alpacas.  Kimberlite was due, but not showing any signs of impending delivery.  With it being the 4th of July, we needed to get to our friends for the food and fun.  We arrived home to find Kimberlite plastering herself to the barn wall in agony (Oh, I mean labor pains).

It appeared she had been in labor for some time, so we watched to see if there was any signs of the cria coming out.  We couldn't see anything, so we contacted our local vet.  He offered to come out and see what was going on.  I tell you as soon as his truck hit the driveway, we could see the little nose popping out. 

The photos show the progression from the crias' (baby alpaca) front legs coming out to her nose/head/neck projecting out.  We then see the cria being gently pulled by the vet (this is usually not necessary), to Missy being fully delivered and resting by her moma.

Funny thing is that even once the cria was delivered Kimberlite still was moaning and groaning like the cria hadn't come out yet.  I pulled her cria in front of her so she could see it, then she stopped.

The final photos show Missy attempting to stand.  This happens quite quickly with alpacas.  Most crias are standing within an hour of birth, and running within a couple hours.

I hope you've enjoyed this tour of the alpaca birthing process.