Alpaca Chico's summer makeover: scenes from Tbilisi Zoo. Video
With the arrival of summer, Tbilisi Zoo begins an important stage of seasonal care for its long-haired animals. For species whose coats grow continuously, annual shearing is essential. The procedure helps them cope with the heat and is an important part of their welfare.
This time, it was Chico the alpaca who got ready for summer. We featured him just a few months ago, but he now looks completely different. As it turns out, beneath all that thick fleece was a surprisingly slim fellow.
Chico is the only alpaca at Tbilisi Zoo, where he shares his enclosure with donkeys. We introduced him in one of our earlier blog videos.
Alpacas are native to the high Andes of South America. They are calm, gentle and naturally curious animals. Their soft fleece is not only beautiful but is also considered one of the warmest and lightest natural fibres in the world. Because their fleece grows continuously, they are shorn every year, helping them stay cool during the summer while promoting the growth of healthy new fleece.
Tbilisi Zoo‘s history spans nearly a century. It was founded on 10 February 1927 on the basis of the Caucasian Society for the Acclimatisation of Animals, which had been keeping wild animals since the early 20th century, though without official zoo status.
The zoo was originally built on 70 hectares in the Vere River gorge. Over the years, the expansion of the capital — and later the devastating flood of 13 June 2015 — significantly reduced the territory of the old zoo. Today, it covers five hectares and is home to around 1,500 animals, each with its own story.
In this video series, we will introduce you to the residents of Tbilisi Zoo. We will show how their day unfolds, how they interact with other animals and people, and how their behaviour changes depending on the weather and the season. Get ready to hear many fascinating stories.
Alpaca at Tbilisi Zoo
