Robin’s Nest Rescue, a nonprofit based in Ramona, led a 400-mile journey to save 20 alpacas from the brink of disaster. What began as a desperate call for help ended in a lifesaving 16-hour caravan through freezing rain, with an entire community of animal lovers working together to offer these gentle creatures a second chance at life.
Robin’s Nest Rescue President Kimber Williams received a call from a veterinarian in Central California urgently needing help to re-home a herd of aging alpacas after one of their owners tragically died.
The Robin’s Nest team, along with the generous support of BAE Ranch and Lions, Tigers, & Bears, embarked on a three-day mission to transport the alpacas from near Fresno to their new sanctuary in Ramona. Twelve of the senior alpacas are now undergoing a month-long quarantine process at Robin’s Nest Rescue, while four will be cared for at Lions, Tigers, & Bears, where they will stay as permanent residents. Beyond Average Existing Ranch in Oak Hills in San Bernardino County, along with two other local ranches, has agreed to provide permanent homes for others.
Williams said these alpacas were at a beautiful farm and very well cared for, but the elderly woman could not take care of all of them on her own after her partner died.
“We made the long drive up there and then the long drive back, but it went very well,” she said.
Williams said Lions Tigers & Bears have already taken in the four alpacas that will remain at its sanctuary.
“Long-term, we are going to keep four here at our ranch. We already have four, so we are doubling our herd. Currently, we are housing 12 until we get them to their other homes,” she said.
Williams said that they also got help from Lionel Murphy, founder and CEO of BAE Ranch, who is currently on Robin’s Nest Rescue’s Board of Directors and is going to be taking four of the alpacas for his ranch.
“We are trying to keep them in groups of three or four because they do better in herds,” she said.
Williams said the road trip was long, caravanning with three trucks and trailers, making health check stops.
“It was a very long day. It took us a while to load everybody, several hours to offload everybody,” she said.
Williams said there are many benefits in raising alpacas.
“One of the main ones that most people are already familiar with is their coats. You can shear an alpaca several times a year. We only shear ours once a year. But their fiber is highly desirable for many things. It is hypoallergenic, it is warmer than wool, it is better in keeping things dry than other fibers, so their coats are certainly number one. But also, they are actually good guardians. That is one thing I think people may not know is that many livestock owners will keep alpacas and llamas to guard their livestock. Plus, they are just really cool. They are cute and curious, and a lot of fun to have,” she said. “Their poop is a fantastic fertilizer. Another thing most people do not realize a lot of poop you have to compost it, but alpaca poop you can put directly on your plants, and it is very coveted for its nutrients.”
Among the senior alpacas is Neptune, a black alpaca who survived a vicious mountain lion attack. His journey has been one of survival and healing, and he will receive the specialized care he needs at Robin’s Nest. This group of alpacas, all registered Huacaya alpacas.
Williams said among the alpacas, one’s name stood out. Hope. A symbol of the journey these animals have traveled and the promise of a better future, Hope represents the unwavering determination that led to this life-saving mission.
“We will do whatever it takes to ensure these alpacas live out their lives in peace and comfort,” said Williams. “They’ve been through so much, and now they’re finally in their forever home.”
Donations to the sanctuary and sponsorship of any of the individual alpacas can be done by visiting https://givebutter.com/SaveSeniorAlpacas.
Robin’s Nest Rescue, based in Ramona, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, and retired animals, providing them with sanctuary, medical care, and a new lease on life. Through its mission to protect and care for animals in need, Robin’s Nest seeks to inspire compassion and healing in both animals and humans alike.
