Leaving the shop and moving down the hill we were warmly greeted by a kind man donning Carhart and boots, Kevin Zurin. His smile lit up a dreary Saturday and his jovial, optimistic tone brought about a certain calmness over not only his animals but also our small group. Within seconds, he showed genuine interest in our group, asking about our majors, our years and where we were from. Following this, we were led to a small fenced-in portion of the barn containing a group of young Alpacas with their mothers. It should also be noted that we were now in the company of a very different population, adjacent and scattered across the barn — and across the farm in general —was a diverse gathering of very friendly cats.
Following a short lesson on the history of the farm as well as the cycles of the Alpaca litters, we were introduced to young Alpacas and their parents. After the gates opened, we were all given a handful of pellets to feed the Alpacas, all the while being educated on the beautiful animals in front of us. As the pellets began to disappear to the hungry Alpacas, we were instructed on how to pet the animals. With no other way to describe it than other worldly softness, petting an Alpaca is an experience truly like no other.
Moving onward towards a much larger fenced portion of the farm, we were introduced to a friendly pair of Alpaca brothers. Much like their caretaker, Griffin and Cordon Bleu may just be two of the friendliest Alpacas you may ever meet. Never in my life would I have ever thought that two Alpacas would be so willing to lean in for a hug. Upon meeting this duo and hearing their powerful backstory I have only one word to describe them — iconic.
Speaking of iconic, never before have I seen a simple shout bring on such a wave as did the effort by Zurin. It was his call that led a flood of Alpacas coming running over the hill to join our party and be greeted by some much deserved pellets sponsored by their caretaker. All the while, we were learning about the fascinating process of shearing and processing the Alpaca’s coats and maintaining the animals’ health.
On a closing note, Zurin made sure to stop us under a large shade tree before the end of our tour. He began to recall memories of his father insisting that he take but a small sapling and let it mature. At first, like many of us, Zurin was very skeptical of the young sapling, but he humored his father. He gave it the attention, he put faith in it, he cared and nurtured for it and then many years later it became that very shade tree we and the Alpacas had been resting under. This final message was more than just a story of a tree, it was a much needed piece of advice for a group in need of the sentiment. A final reminder more valuable than any monetary or physical reward, a reminder of what we have the potential to become.
So whether you choose to go to Eastland Alpacas to visit with the friendly animals housed on its grounds or for the compassionate valuable lessons delivered by the caretakers, know that you are in for a truly special experience.
