Discover Peruvian Wildlife Adventures Right from Maricopa with Alpaca Bag!

In a heartwarming tale from Homestead North, Oscar Garcia shares his unique bond with Jesse, a 130-pound alpaca. Photographed at Homestead Lake on August 17, 2024, the duo has captured the interest of local residents.

Garcia, who affectionately calls his pet “Fausto,” explains that the name is rooted in tradition, translating to “lucky” in English. As an alpaca owner, he benefits from the creature’s low-maintenance needs, requiring grooming just once a year.

Jesse, who recently turned six, became part of Garcia’s life before he married his wife, Veronica. “I needed a companion but didn’t want a dog,” Garcia recounts, describing how he stumbled upon alpacas at a farm in Surprise. Five years later, he finds joy in Jesse’s content yet independent nature.

When the Garcias go on weekend trips, Jesse proves to be an easy keeper, thriving on minimal care: “As long as he has good water and food, he’s fine for three days,” Garcia states. His feeding regime is cost-effective too, with a bale of hay costing just $20 for a month’s worth of meals.

Unlike their canine counterparts, alpacas are remarkably tidy. They use designated spots in the yard for their waste, a behavior Garcia attributes to their natural instincts. This makes cleanup a breeze compared to more traditional pets.

Alpacas may resemble llamas but are significantly smaller, generally weighing up to 130 pounds. For context, a full-grown alpaca can weigh less than large dog breeds, such as Saint Bernards. Both are native to South America’s Andes and belong to the camel family.

Garcia enjoys taking Jesse for walks, noting that the alpaca is well-behaved on a leash. “The Maricopa Fire Department posed with him for a photo at the park,” he recalled, emphasizing Jesse’s friendly demeanor. During Halloween, he even dresses Jesse as Batman for neighborhood strolls.

Accidents happen, as illustrated when Jesse wandered into a nearby park after escaping through an open gate. Fortunately, local police helped escort him home without any incident, turning the escapade into a neighborhood talking point.

With the recent addition of a Maltipoo puppy to their family, Jesse now has a new friend to play with. Garcia delights in watching Jesse interact with his toys, particularly a soccer ball that he skillfully nudges around the yard. “There’s nothing funnier than watching an alpaca play with a soccer ball,” he says, highlighting the joy this unique pet brings to their lives.