DETROIT – Are alpacas the answer to maintaining Detroit's Belle Isle Park? Alpaca Land Detroit thinks so.
The group says it's laying down the frame work for a "self-sustaining, low impact, and intensely cute contribution to the park's future."
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Alpaca Land Detroit founder, David Shock, says he first realized the potential while researching livestock options for his parent's farm.
"The more research I did, the more I started falling in love with them, and I truly think they would be a great addition to the island. Alpacas are incredibly gentle, and create a fleece that is compared to
cashmere," says Shock. Alpaca fleece is actually five times warmer than sheep's wool and seven times stronger.
"On a small scale," he explains, "a ranch on Belle Isle would not only generate further interest in the island, but the alpacas would help maintain the grounds. Profits earned would help support further
improvements to the island, as well as employ individuals to care for the animals."
The group says it has initiated conversations with Belle Isle and the DNR.
What do you think of the idea? Let us know on the Local 4 Facebook page.