Baby alpacas who 'look like ET' need new names

Liz NiceSuffolk
News imageWayne Bavin/BBC Kate gazes at the two alpaca babies, one white and one brown as they sit on her lap. The white one has her eyes closed. Kate has brown hair tied back. There is a wooden door or gate behind her.Wayne Bavin/BBC
Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm manager Kate Ockleton said a lot of people had commented on the babies' appearance

Two baby alpacas and a set of goat triplets have all been born at the same time at a Suffolk farm, creating a bit of a naming dilemma.

The newborn crias are only the third and fourth baby alpacas to be born at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm near Ipswich.

Farm manager Kate Ockleton said it was hard to think of enough new names for them all, although there had been a lot of comments from visitors which may provide some inspiration.

"Any suggestions for names would be very welcome," she said. "But a lot of people have been saying they look like [the fictional extraterrestrial] ET!"

The two crias were born to their mothers Iris and Alina this week.

"They have very long legs and are very sweet," said Ockleton.

"Alina is very protective - there has been a little bit of spitting and headbutting going on to keep us away from her baby, which is totally fine!

"Iris used to be a little bit nervous of us but after I wrapped her baby in my coat to keep her warm, we have bonded a little."

News imageWayne Bavin/BBC White alpaca Alina in her stall stands in straw with her head turned away from the camera. Her son, a small brown alpaca with a white face stands behind her with his ears pricked.Wayne Bavin/BBC
Alina gave birth to a brown-furred male

Ockleton said it had been a bit difficult to get the crias to feed at first so they were given a bottle provided by some of the farm's ewes.

The babies will stay with their mum for about seven months until weaning happens naturally.

All the animals born on the farm will remain there, Ockleton added.

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