Lincoln Park Zoo Welcomes Fluffy New Residents: Six Alpacas Make Their Debut

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Lincoln Park · January 1, 2026

Lincoln Park residents have six furry reasons to visit their neighborhood zoo this month as a herd of female alpacas has officially made the North Side institution their new home. The zoo recently welcomed Starlight, Zsa Zsa, Maya, Sara, Grettle, and Gracie - ranging in age from 1 to 24 years old - marking the first time since 2019 that these gentle, social animals have been part of the zoo's diverse animal family.

Each alpaca brings her own distinct look to the group: Starlight sports the lightest fur with a curly fleece topknot; Zsa Zsa has a slightly darker coat with a straight topknot; while Gracie displays a striking caramel color with a contrasting dark face. The three black-fleeced alpacas - Maya, Sara, and Grettle - each have their own unique characteristics, from Maya's dark coloring to Grettle's bangs-like topknot to Sara's notably poofy head fur. "These six ladies have quickly won over their care team with their sweet personalities and friendly demeanors," shared Lincoln Park Zoo curator Dan Boehm. "It's great to welcome back such a beloved species to Lincoln Park Zoo, and we're excited for people to meet the new herd!"

Native to the Andes Mountains of South America, these alpacas are well-suited for Chicago's variable climate. Their thick, soft fleece - which keeps them comfortable in the wintry, high-altitude conditions of their native range - will serve them equally well during Chicago winters. Neighborhood residents can visit these charming new additions at the southernmost habitat in the zoo's South Loop area any day of the week, as the Lincoln Park Zoo remains free and open to the public year-round. The alpacas add yet another reason for community members to regularly visit one of the neighborhood's most beloved institutions.

Sources:
1. https://www.lpzoo.org/pressroom/lincoln-park-zoo-welcomes-a-new-herd-of-alpacas/
2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2025/06/12/lincoln-park-zoo-welcomes-six-new-alpacas
3. https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/lincoln-park-zoo-alpacas-2025