By Barbara Arnstein
“We love what we do and seeing the effect on people when they visit”, said Shauna Anderson, the owner of Alpacaville, in Bemus Point. She and the alpacas she owns, which look like smaller llamas, have been visited by groups from nursing homes, assisted living, group homes, mental health groups, home schools, traditional schools, day care and many more places. Alpacaville is a unique place where visitors can not only see and feed alpacas (which have cute woolly faces), but also learn about them, buy warm winter items made from their coats, and see chickens, pigs and goldfish.
at Saturday’s event at Alpacaville near
Bemus Point. They are the children of Mike
and Grace Panebianco of Jamestown.
Photo/Phil Zimmer
“Alpacaville actually started with a flock of chickens about 13 years ago.”, said Shauna. “We loved having them so much that a year later we added mini pigs and alpaca. We bred and showed alpaca and truly fell in love with the lifestyle. About a year later a certificate in animal assisted therapy, activities and learning was completed and we began to do farm visits when people came to the store.”
“We provide tours to any group visiting the farm that wants one”, she continued. “The response has been very positive from all the groups. We also provide special events at the farm for the public. Most recently we had a ‘Service in the Barn’ in conjunction with St Luke’s Church in Jamestown. Clergy from St Luke’s conducted a service and shared the story of the birth of Jesus.”
During the farm visits, as well as seeing the alpaca, visitors hear facts about reasons to have them, and about the various uses for their hair. “When you visit our farm, we can show you examples of needle felting and wet felting, and how that can be helpful.”, added Shauna.
“We take our cues from the animals and let them decide to what degree they want to interact.”, Shauna continued. “Sometimes they walk away and head to the pasture, and sometimes you can’t get them to stop following you. Alpaca are very timid animals generally and require much patience and encouragement to become more social over time. After the farm has re-opened to the public in the spring for a few weeks, the herd is receptive to being fed by visitors and some allow petting. The chickens and pigs are always interested in eating and getting attention.”
Every May, a professional shearer is hired for the alpaca’s annual shearing. The amount of fiber they get from each one depends on the alpaca’s health, whether it’s pregnant and how cold the winter is. “We are always happy when the weather is colder as that helps the alpaca grow more fiber.”, explained Shauna. “But if the change from warm to cold is too abrupt, the alpaca can become cold and require coats until their hair grows out a little bit.” Shauna also made the point, “Some farms are meat farms, but we are strictly a fiber farm.”
“Alpaca manure is one of the best fertilizers you can get.”, Shauna shared. “People who are well versed in manure call it “Black Gold”. Composted manure is extremely good for a garden, and we send it out in recycled feed bags as well as by the truck full. We have had it given as birthday and anniversary gifts to gardeners!”
“If you are looking for an interesting outing, please consider visiting with us for an hour or two.”, she said. “Alpaca are wonderful animals as are mini pigs (and chickens are wonderful, too)!” Alphaville’s hours until January 15th, 2025, are Thursdays from 5-8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5pm. It is closed from Jan 15th to April 15th. “We close because it can get quite snowy and icy, and unsafe to go to the barn”, said Shauna, “but if we have a mild winter, or get breaks in the winter, we can open if you contact us. Starting in April 2025, we are reducing our regular hours to Saturday from noon-4pm, and by arrangement, to allow us to try a new venture. We hope to be available for birthday parties and events like painting with alpaca.” Alphaville is located at 4463 Mahanna Road in Bemus Point, NY. To buy alpaca items, including hats, mittens, fingerless gloves and blankets, go to alpacaville.com/store. For more information, email Shauna Anderson at anderson.shauna324@gmail.com, or call (716) 664-0663.