Visitors to Parley Golf and Equestrian centres have been stopping to look at the latest arrival on the estate – a baby alpaca.
The adorable infant emerged without warning to the surprise of staff who had no idea her mother was pregnant.
Petal, as the baby was named, is bright white and is fit, healthy and apparently enjoying all the attention.
She lives with three adults in a field by a pond on the Parley Court estate, which includes the golf and equestrian centres and is situated opposite Bournemouth Airport.
Jane Wyatt, who runs the equestrian centre, said: “We had no idea her mother Alex was pregnant.
“We have the alpacas as pets really and the visitors love to see them and they’ve become something of a fixture.
“I only learned that the mother had given birth when one of the staff came and asked if I knew we had a baby alpaca in the field.
“I rushed down there and couldn’t believe it. She was healthy and her mum was looking after her well.”
Alpacas – Vicugna pacos in Latin – are from South America and are part of the camel family.
