Residents eagerly gathered Dec. 19, 2024, at Fellowship Community, Whitehall, to meet and greet a very well-behaved, handsome guest — Dudley, an alpaca from Illusion Ranch, Boyertown.

Dudley is a 12-year-old male alpaca. A testament to his great disposition, Dudley is an intake male (breeding stock), yet he is always well mannered.

Alpacas are members of the camel family, domesticated by the people of the Peruvian Andes 6,000 years ago. People often confuse alpacas with llamas. Llamas are larger, about twice the size of alpacas, with a weight range of 250-450 pounds. Alpacas weigh between 120-200 pounds. Llamas are primarily used for packing or for guarding herds of sheep or alpacas. Alpacas are primarily raised for their soft and luxurious fleece.

Residents were thrilled to ask questions and “get up close and personal” with Dudley. One resident asked if alpacas spit.

“Sure they spit, but your pastor would spit if you got him mad enough,” Robin, Dudley’s handler, said.

When an Alpaca is content, they make a deep, humming sound. Dudley could be heard humming throughout his visit to Fellowship.

Dudley is part of a 12-alpaca herd at Illusion Ranch and is a favorite at all events he attends.