THE END OF AN ERA 6PERUVIAN CHACHAPOYA 5110 IMPR98 JANUARY 1, 1997 – MAY 27, 2015 How do you write an obituary for an alpaca….by first talking about his background and then what he meant to you. Chachapoya or “Chach” as we liked to call him came from the famous Don Julio Barreda’s, “Estancia Accoyo Ranch” in Peru. He was in the last importation of Accoyo Suri Alpaca in 1998 and he was hand selected by Don Julio Barreda to come to the United States. He spent most of his life on a farm that mostly bred huacayas so he was seldom used, to this day his bloodline remains rare. His life thereafter remains shrouded in mystery and scandal as he was sold and then repossessed on a foreclosure. Scott and I of Alpacas of El Dorado purchased a female to be specifically bred to this rare herdsire…but he disappeared before we could get her pregnant. Only to find out later that he was purchased by Pucara International Stud, by our friends, Al Cousel and Jude Anderson. We were beyond excited when we were able to purchase a half interest in this male and also bring on a third partner, Dale Davis of Derwydd Alpacas. And thus became my love affair with this truly magnificent alpaca. He is the “Warrior”, truly his eyes have seen more than mine. He was well traveled and accustomed to fitting in to his setting. We felt honored when he came to our ranch to live out his days. Still breeding until just a month ago, he was always loud and boisterous whenever he was allowed to do his job. There are few of us who have the honor of continuing his genetics in their breeding programs by having one or two of his offspring. I say hold these alpacas close to you….the genetics will always be rare and fine. Just recently Chachapoya won a 2nd in Get of Sire Suri at Alpacas Fest West and a 1st Place in Get of Sire Suri Light at the California Classic…..his genetics live on…. Hold on to a piece of history… Right to his end he held his stance, his luster, his look of eagles. It was an absolute honor in knowing him. We see him everyday in his offspring and wish him well, as we know he is with Bruxo, Ganador, Torbio and others…..who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge before him.