Baby Alpaca
IN SELVA DI PROGNO (Verona)
ABOUT US
A family with 40 alpacas
Laura and Domenico brought home a pair of alpacas after falling in love with them, but it's their son Enrico who, once he grew up, became a young breeder with a dream in mind.
"My aunt and uncle had dairy cows, it's a world I know well. I've always been alongside them, even when I was a child. I have a lot of respect for them and for their hard work every day. My childhood memories often take me back to the transhumance with them to move the cattle to the pastures. From that point, I've always had a desire to create a different kind of agriculture, one that uses animals less, respects them more, and allows for a sustainable income."
The dream
So, with a touch of madness, he saw in his parents' peculiar choice of having these animals the opportunity to fulfill this dream. With their support, he delved into the study of these animals, which were relatively unknown in Italy at the time, and they began to expand the breeding operation. It was sometimes tough, but these were years of growth that brought the business to expand more and create a deep bond between the breeders and the alpacas.
In fact, after a emotionally challenging year, Enrico experienced firsthand how much their animals could give and transmit to us as humans. This led him to open the breeding operation to the public. Chiara also became passionate about it, and after her training, she added activities for children, schools, and summer camps.
THE FARM
The Lessini Mountains
Our breeding farm was established in 2009 in Selva di Progno, in the Lessini Mountains in the province of Verona. It's where Domenico Rama and Laura Turra reside. During a casual walk, they happened upon a group of alpacas and fell in love with them. It was a real love at first sight that took them to Perugia to purchase their first two specimens. They then dedicated their love and time to the growth of the business.
WHAT WE DO
Since 2019
In 2019, the idea of opening to the public was born. The goal was indeed to introduce as many people as possible to these wonderful animals, the products derived from their precious fiber, but not only that. It was also about showcasing our beautiful landscapes, reestablishing a connection with nature and animals that had been missing for too long, teaching the younger generation to love and, above all, respect everything that surrounds us.
As a result, numerous activity proposals have been developed and can be found on our website at www.babyalpacaofficial.it, thanks to the ideas and initiative of Enrico, who has always been supported by the experience and previous training of his parents, Domenico and Laura, in everything related to trekking and the health of alpacas and llamas.
Respect for animals and nature
In 2020, Chiara, Enrico's partner, began her studies and training to provide guests with a high-quality experience. She trained at La Melagrana in Animal-Assisted Interventions (erroneously known as Pet Therapy) and became a professional figure in AAI, listed in national registers (Digital Pet) as an Activity Coordinator, Horse Assistant, and Donkey Assistant in Animal-Assisted Interventions. (https://digitalpet.it/operatori/dettaglio?id=6347)
This journey allowed her to focus on the human-animal relationship in breeding activities without compromising the well-being of the animals. On June 5, 2022, after completing her training, she became an Operator in Educational Zooanthropology, allowing her to engage with children and schools, creating tailored outings and activities for them.
For over a decade, we have been raising our animals with love, passion, and respect, with the goal of introducing people to alpacas, how they live, what they eat, and their unique qualities. All our ideas and projects are united by a key word: RESPECT, for animals and nature.
HOW WE WORK
In the pasture
Our animals are pasture-raised for ten months a year, and we conduct semi-annual health checks through analyses. We are in close contact with specialized veterinarians who have been working in the field for years. They always have access to fresh grass (during the spring, summer, and early autumn) and second-cut hay that we produce from our own meadows. Additionally, we provide them with supplements to compensate for what is lacking here compared to their native land. Our animals are raised in a way that respects them and their nature, ensuring their well-being and respect.
THE EXPERIENCE WE OFFER
Trekking and Yoga with Alpacas
We offer various types of activities, starting with trekking in the company of alpacas and llamas in the mountain trails and beautiful landscapes of the Lessini Mountains. During this experience, the alpacas and llamas are incredibly docile and curious animals that bring joy and serenity. In the hours spent with them, you can learn many things, such as "disconnecting" from a life that seems to be increasingly hectic and rushed. Walking at their pace helps us understand that slowing down, taking the time to look around and listen to what's happening in our surroundings are essential things that should be part of everyone's daily life.
These animals can teach you how to live in the "here and now," and being in their company immediately transports you to this dimension. With us, you can also try yoga in nature, among the grazing alpacas. The exercises won't be demanding; in fact, it's an experience that anyone can participate in. Practicing it in nature allows your mind and body to release tension, and you'll let the gentle steps of the alpacas around you lull you. You'll feel rejuvenated and ready to face life's challenges because in a meditation immersed in the mountain's rarefied air, every blade of grass comes to life, and the same will happen to us, with a perspective of connection, rediscovery, and renewal.
School trips and outings for Grest
We also offer farm visits where you can see our animals, take a short walk with them, and gain an understanding of the way alpacas and llamas live through explanations from one of our breeders.
Additionally, we've thought about the little ones: educational outings specially designed for schools and summer camps (Grest). During these outings, children will engage in activities in direct contact with the animals, as well as reference and recreational activities to stimulate their interest in learning new things about a new animal species. They will also have the opportunity to create a little craft to take home to their parents, allowing them to share the experience with the little ones and helping them remember the wonderful day.