Alpaquita

     Many of you are familiar with the South American Alpaca and this, my friends, is that, but in miniature.  Often referred to as 'una alpaquita' which is the diminutive form of alpaca, making it very cute indeed.  Who could possibly argue with that?  Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen?

This beauty was purchased on the road somewhere between Puno, Perú, and La Paz, Bolivia, but before arriving in Bolivia, therefore we can call it unequivocally: a Peruvian Alpaquita.

While I was on a tourist stop purchasing this very alpaquita I had the opportunity to feed and pet a live version and let me tell you, it was territorial as could be.  You cannot just march up to a baby and not expect to be considered a threat by its mother.  It scared the crap out of me.  Who even knows the damage an alpaquita can do?

Hay que tener mucho cuidado cuando alimentas a las alpaquitas.  Tal vez sea tu última vez. (?)

Feeding a baby alpaca.

Taunting the mother of the alpaca behind me, who charged at me.