Vicuna
Vicugna vicugna vicugna
We have a small herd of vicuna in our drive-through reserve. Austria, Coco, Juanita, Ozzy and our two adorable new crias (the term for a baby vicuna!).
Population
Increasing
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Grasslands
Fact file
They are native to the Andes of South America. They can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Equador and Peru
Vicuna are specially adapted to survive in a severe habitat. Their coat is thick and traps warm air
They are the national animal of Peru, and they are featured on the Peruvian coat of arms
Their lower incisors grow constantly like a rodent’s. They are the only ungulate (hoofed animal) with continuously growing teeth
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care, our vicuna are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation