History of suri fibered llamas in the U.S.    Llamas with tendencies toward suri fiber have existed in the U.S. since the dawning of the “llama industry”.  Repeat occurrences have been documented in some of our industry’s foundation bloodlines: Dr. Doolittle (Safley’s Mohammed,Van Dyke, Snow Queen 11), Pagliachi (Galaxy of the Stars, Legend’s Rammas), Errol Flynn (Booker T., Essex, TKO).    The late 80’s saw a growing awareness toward fiber quality, with some programs progressing toward a “single coat fleece”.  Along with this straighter fleece naturally came luster, wave and some locking.  Some llamas imported from Chile and Bolivia in the late 80’s and early 90’s contributed genetic material toward super silky fleece as well: LW Willie K, LW Kissam, Papa Noel, Remedios, Top Flight, Don Juan Quixote, Chilean Leroy Brown.    In 1994, the first published advertisements appeared in the US for  llama breeding programs specializing in suri fiber. (East Fork Ranch: King Crimson, Llamas De La Foresta: Van Dyke, )  These programs had taken the single coat fleece a step further toward suri style fiber through selective breeding.    An alternative track in suri llamas began in 1998 with the importation of  stock with strong suri alpaca phenotype. (Kantu, Maximo, Peruvian Secret Weapon).  The introduction of these  animals into the Llama Registry raised much controversy in the llama world, and much discussion as to what was a “true suri” and what was a “true llama”.    Today, two distinctly different tracks remain in breeding for suri fiber on llamas, with very differing views of excellence and acceptability.  The development of a suri breed is yet in it’s infancy.  No one set of standards or organization represents all tracks.  The field is wide open for interpretation and development. *specific llama names are used only as examples and are not intended to be exclusive     written by Heather Bamford     Return to Home Page