Owners of a much-loved alpaca called Harry who changed many lives with his endearing ways have announced the sad news of his death.
Harry, one of Lincolnshire Llama’s most recognisable residents, was the eldest of his group at nearly 15 years old. His curious nature possibly led to his demise, according to devastated owner Katie Good.
She has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help have Harry cremated and his ashes returned home “so he can be scattered across his field with his llama and alpaca friends, and still be a part of his herd”. Katie said: “Harry touched many people’s lives, including adults, children, the elderly, autistic and sick – what they can do for people’s mental health is phenomenal.
“Harry’s calm, friendly nature brought peace and joy to many. He loved to eat fresh hay and stand on the little mud hills in the field, looking out into the distance. He also loved to go to children’s parties, and care homes, where he could lay down on the floor with children and guests and have his photo taken.”
Harry sadly passed away after becoming trapped in some fencing overnight at Lincolnshire Llama, based at Church Lane, Humberston. Katie said: “He was unable to free himself and became cold.
Harry the alpaca has been known as quite a character, at Lincolnshire Llama, Humberston
(Image: lincolnshirellama)
“Harry has been a part of our family and herd for many years; he was the eldest of the group, 15 this year, and the very first alpaca to join us. He looked after everyone, standing proud guarding the field.”
Katie said: “Alpacas are quite curious and Harry was one of the more inquisitive ones. He used to be a guard alpaca for a farm, chasing away foxes – if something catches their eye, they will be off – and with him having his full fleece and top-knot, he got his head through and wasn’t able to pull himself back out.
“It must have been late into the night when it happened – we have CCTV, we’ve played it back and you can see him pottering about.” After a report by an early-morning dog walker, it was Katie’s dad who discovered Harry, whose body was then moved into a stable.
Katie said: “He had such a bold personality. I’ve been looking back at pictures of him and there have been so many memories, so many lives touched by him.”
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The crowdfunding appeal has the main aim of raising enough to have Harry cremated – “alpacas are quite large animals and you have to have special permissions” – and since it launched, Katie said they had been overwhelmed by people’s generosity. “It’s been lovely,” she said, “it does make you realise how much kindness is left out there.
“There are people who have donated who have been to Lincolnshire Llama; then there have been some anonymous donations from others, he has captured their hearts with his story.”
Harry the alpaca helped make such a difference to so many people’s lives
(Image: lincolnshirellama)
Katie added: “The other animals do know that Harry is missing, you can tell by their behaviour, and it’s sad to watch. One of the alpacas in the herd is Harry’s half-brother and was quite submissive anyway, like the cry-baby of the group, and Georgie, one of the llamas, is mothering him.”
Katie said: “We have had such a difficult few years, with Covid, cost increases, lack of hay, and flooding, but this is by far the worst.” Any donations over and above what is needed for Harry’s cremation will go to support Lincolnshire Llama in other ways, such as providing food and new fencing.
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