Peruvians remain fiercely proud of their country's most famous furry friend, the alpaca, with the beloved mammal serving not only as a fluffy symbol of the South American country's culture and traditions, but also deeply intertwining with its economy.
Known as a national treasure, images of the alpaca appear everywhere in Peru, with the popular creature featuring on items of clothing and being a favorite cuddly stuffed animal toy. Its close cousin, the vicuna, even adorns Peru's coat of arms.
Native to the Andes mountains in Peru's highlands, alpaca are highly prized for their fleece, which are used to make everything from simple ponchos to high fashion garments.
At Mundo Alpaca, a small museum and boutique in Peru's capital Lima, the displays tell the story of the camelid herbivore and the people who raise them. While exposing the history and tradition of the alpaca industry in the country, the museum also promotes the textile richness of Peru and the Andes.
Another reason the animal is so revered is for its cherished fleece. With more than 20 natural colors, alpaca wool offers many product options, as well as being a very practical clothing option, especially in the colder climates.
Museum manager Eduardo Ruiz pointed out one eye-catching poncho which he said is truly suitable to be worn in all seasons.
"This is very soft and it's warm, because Alpaca lives in the highlands. So it could be for all [seasons]. It adapts to all the weathers, so it could be ready for winter, for summer," he said.
The alpaca industry is a major economic force in Peru, with exports last year totaling more than 200 million dollars, with China, Italy and the United States serving as the top export destinations.
The South American country accounts for about 80 percent of the total global alpaca fiber production, helping support the livelihoods of more than 80,000 Peruvian families, including many ranchers who reside in the highlands.
"The people in the highlands sell the alpaca [fiber], so we can use it. So it's like, we are helping each other," said Ruiz.
But the alpaca offers more than just a series of highly-sought after products, it is also seen as the central symbol of Peru's heritage, and remains a source of great national pride, according to Ruiz.
"When you use and you wear alpaca, it is something that you are very, very proud of here," he said.
Peru's beloved Alpaca plays vital role in country's culture, economy
