Greenbank alpaca trio needs a new home

When the summer sun shines on a hidden farm in Greenbank, LeeAnna Jorgenson likes to relax by knitting and reading in silence, surrounded by a herd of four-legged creatures and their peaceful auras.

Jorgenson’s love for alpacas began in 2006, when she and her husband Ron bought three pregnant females to raise on their newly acquired property at 2582 North Bluff Road, which from then on would be known as Pronkin’ Pastures Alpaca Ranch.

The farm has long been a place where people can shop for rainbows of high-quality yarn, knits and even alpaca-shaped lollipops, as well as admire creatures that can only be found in the wild thousands of miles south, in the Andes.

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With more alpacas being bred and brought from as far as Michigan, Indiana, Colorado and Idaho, the herd eventually reached 50 individuals. But for the past several years, the couple has been looking for some change.

As the Jorgensons age, they have been facing some medical issues and are slowly downsizing the herd, putting a halt on breeding and seeking new owners who can continue to ensure the creatures live long, happy lives.

Currently, the herd counts 24 alpacas, a number that Jorgenson hopes to further reduce to 12.

Because alpacas are social animals, they need to be bought in groups or by owners who already own alpacas.

Inside an enclosure, Spirit and JR never left each other’s side as they moved around, discreetly observing a reporter who was busy taking photos. Their buddy, Alonzo, left them to eat some hay under a shed, briefly making eye contact with the reporter before quietly sifting his attention back to his lunch.

Because they are close buds, Jorgenson said, it would be best to sell them together.

The three are all about 10 to 11 years old, making them middle-aged. Typically, she said, they live up to 15 or 20 years. Willow, the eldest in the herd, is 17.

While some people might prefer to buy younger alpacas to keep them around for longer and to get better-quality fiber, older alpacas might be a better fit for those who cannot commit for 15 years, Jorgenson said.

The trio has reached an age where their fiber is not at its prime for selling, but could still be used for personal projects. Plus, they can serve as cute lawnmowers, as Pronkin’s website suggests.

JR, who flaunts a black and extra fluffy hairdo, is the friendliest and most curious in his group. He has a tendency of eagerly sticking his head inside the pellet feed bucket while his owners try to bring lunch to the herd, Jorgenson said.

Spirit and Alonzo, who are respectively auburn and white, are both timid and cautious, but mild-mannered.

Having raised alpacas for 18 years, Jorgenson knows one of the best ways to enjoy their company is to simply be around them, without trying hard to get their attention. Alpacas, she explained, are somewhat similar to cats.

“In general, alpacas are not super people-oriented,” she said. “They’re curious and interested, but they’re always a little bit cautious.”

Despite their cuddly appearance and mild temperament, alpacas typically don’t like being touched, Jorgenson said. Furthermore, they are unfit for riding, as they weigh only between 140 and 200 pounds, and a saddle would ruin their wool and make it unsellable.

To gain their trust, respecting their personal space is important, and it’s best to patiently wait for them to get close, she said.

While in some cultures eating alpacas is commonplace, in the U.S. they are typically raised for their fiber.

At Pronkin’ Pastures, the alpacas are sheared by a professional once a year. According to Jorgenson, an alpaca may produce 10 to 20 skeins of yarn. Younger alpacas have the best fiber, which grows on their backs in the area between their shoulders and their hips.

They are not particularly high-maintenance creatures, as they only need to have their wool and nails sheared and trimmed once a year, she said. Daily tasks include feeding them, changing their water and scooping up their poop.

The Jorgensons like to stay in touch with the alpacas’ new families, sharing advice and answering any questions. Because it’s hard to find a shearer who is willing to make the trip for a small number of alpacas, the farm offers owners the opportunity to join the yearly shearing appointment.

Jorgenson finds that there is a big fiber arts community in the Pacific Northwest, with many demonstrating an interest in raising their own animals for their craft projects.

The ‘Paca Products Boutique features products like socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, gloves, felted miniature alpacas and ceramic buttons, as well as knitting and felting tools, hand-dyed yarns, blended yarns and rovings. Many of the products are made with fiber “grown” on the farm.

For more information, visit pronkinpastures.com. To schedule an appointment to visit the store or the alpacas, or to inquire about the alpacas on sale, reach out to info@pronkinpastures.com or call 425-879-1165.