Stop by the Open Range section of the Zoo, and two new faces will greet you!
Say hello to Cob and Peaches, our new pair of guanacos!
Guanacos are mammals in the camelid family and are native to South America. Many members of this family are hardy species for cold temperatures, so we have a few other camelids around the Zoo, including the Bactrian camels in the Animals of Asia exhibit, and llamas in the Boreal & Grasslands area and Aunt Sally’s Farm. In fact, just as wolves were domesticated to become dogs, guanaco are the species that were domesticated by the Indigenous people of South America to become llamas. Other members of the camel family include alpacas and vicuñas.
Cob (male) and Peaches (female) came to the Zoo from a zoo in Eastern Canada and are settling well into their new space.
When Peaches arrived at the Zoo, she had some medical issues that needed immediate attention. Thanks to the incredible work of our veterinary staff, she has improved significantly and is doing well with her half-brother in the Open Range.
Guanaco Fun Facts:
- They can spit as far as six feet and hardly ever miss their target.
- They have evolved to have thick skin on their necks to protect themselves from predators.
- They are found at altitudes of 4,000 metres above sea level! Because of this, they are resilient to the cold and have efficient red blood cells - 68 million of them in fact!
- Guanacos have a life span of 28 years.
- A baby guanaco is called a chulengo!
Make sure to come visit on your next adventure to the Zoo.
