Dozens try an alpaca encounter at Flagstaff

National Alpaca Day at Flagstaff Alpacas.

Cairo McLelland (18 months), of Dunedin, feeds Elvis the alpaca at Flagstaff yesterday.
About 80 people got up close and personal with the animals at Flagstaff Alpacas yesterday for National Alpaca Day.

The farm held an open day for the occasion, which it has done for 10 years.

Owner Andy Nailard said it was meant to educate people about the farming of the animals and let them know "how easy they are to handle".

It also helped children to walk away without feeling threatened, he said.