Alpacas are sensitive, curious and gentle animals by nature. They are semi-wild animals that have been bred as domestic animals. The purpose of breeding has been to produce wool and meat, and nowadays, especially in Finland, alpacas have become more and more pets and can be used in a variety of animal-assisted activities.

Although alpacas do not generally like to be touched, they are friendly towards people and are happy to get to know visitors. Alpacas are sensitive to body language and state of mind, so it is good to calm down and focus on the moment when they are with you.

The alpacas at the Forest Café, like all alpaca individuals, are all different in nature. Alpacas are strongly herd animals and there is always a certain hierarchy and order in the herd.

The herd of alpacas at the Forest Café is led by Merituulen Isac, nicknamed Iisakki. Iisakki was born in 2020. Iisakki is a good leader and quickly shows everyone their place, is often on guard duty when others are eating their heads in the hay and calmly leads the group on walks. Iisakki also knows his own worth, and is not necessarily the first to meet people and beg for treats.

Iisakki’s half-brother Merituulen Jackpot, Jaska, is also white in color like Iisakki but has a dark muzzle and a light brown spot on his back, born in 2021.

Jaska is the bravest and most playful of the herd. Due to his boisterous nature, Jaska is not suitable for beginners, at least not for walks. On the other hand, Jaska is often the first to greet visitors and when he gains confidence, he will even let you pet him a little in the silence of the stable, calmly and without getting nervous.

The herds youth group Tyko, Lionel and Enzo were all born in 2022. Alpacas reach full maturity at around 2 years old, meaning the youngsters don’t grow much from this point on. These boys have still been allowed to retain their manhood, meaning they are still stallions.

AOF Tyko, or more familiarly known as Tapsa, is the most affectionate of the herd, brown in color and with funny tassels as an extension of his ears. People of all ages, from toddlers onwards, can get along with him.

Tapsa is very kind and likes to follow people, as long as you remember to reward him with a carrot or other treat. Tapsa also doesn’t get nervous easily when handled and sometimes even lets strangers pet him.

JS´ Lionell aka Leksa has the finest wool of the herd. Leksa is also brown in color but lighter than Tapsa. Leksa is the most sensitive of the pack and gets angry easily if human visitors try to come too close without permission. His hind leg swings very quickly and Leksa has caused quite a few bruises for his handlers.

The breeder said that Lionel was named after the footballer Lionel Messi, perhaps that is where his kick comes from.

Lionel mainly works at Forest Café as a companion alpaca, a cheerleader at the farm and his wool is used to make yarn, jewelry and other products.

JS´s Enzo, Enska, the darkest of the herd, bayblack. is also very sensitive and shy. Enska doesn’t care much for human company and the best thing about it is when she can just be with his own pack.

Despite her shyness, Enska may surprise you and be the first to the fence, especially if dogs come into the yard. Enska’s wool is also used to make very fine yarn and other products.

Fransu from Ylitalo, who joined the group later, is the oldest of the herd, born in 2009.

Fransu is an experienced alpaca who has worked as a teaching animal and participated in many activities when he was younger. Fransu is a bit of a grumpy old man at times, but he can also be sociable when he is around the right person. Calm guests can even get an alpaca kiss from Fransu! On walks, Fransu is brisk and easy to walk with the group.

Fransu is the lentil boy of the group and is always the first to the food bowl!