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devilfish

Llamas and alpacas, Animal Adventure

The llama and alpaca paddock, though divided in two by a fence, the gateway between the enclosures is left open effectively making this just one paddock. Photo taken on the 20th of May 2009.

Llamas and alpacas, Animal Adventure
devilfish, 22 May 2009
    • devilfish
      The llama and alpaca paddock, though divided in two by a fence, the gateway between the enclosures is left open effectively making this just one paddock.
      Photo taken on the 20th of May 2009.
    • Cat-Man
      isnt there a risk of hybridism
    • devilfish
      I asked for you today, here's what I was told:
      In short, no, because they are all males.
      BUT I was also told that even if there were females, the males of the other species would 'know' that they're different. I asked why, then, were other examples of llama-alpaca hybrids produced but I don't think my question was understood. The keeper just spoke slower and clearer; "We are related to gorillas, but we don't interbreed. Why not? We just 'know' that we're different." [sigh] :(
    • devilfish
      I wouldn't go that far - I think she just misunderstood my question and tried to clarify things for me; I just didn't really need any clarification of that 'concept'. I doubt she considered me a zoo geek, hybridisation seems a pretty standard question (i.e. acceptable from intelligent members of the public.)
      I think the analogy isn't too far off, in terms of species relationships, as she had said that llamas and alpacas were camelids so she just chose two hominids to compare.
    • Cat-Man
      will delete that post
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  • Category:
    ZSL London Zoo
    Uploaded By:
    devilfish
    Date:
    22 May 2009
    View Count:
    1,646
    Comment Count:
    5

    EXIF Data

    File Size:
    347.3 KB
    Mime Type:
    image/jpeg
    Width:
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    Height:
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    Aperture:
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    Make:
    Sony Ericsson
    Model:
    C902
    Date / Time:
    2009:05:20 17:02:26
    Exposure Time:
    1/1000 sec
    ISO Speed Rating:
    ISO 64
    Focal Length:
    5.18 mm
     

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