Winter Issue 2006-2007

Connecticut's First Alpaca Farmer

Joan McCurry is a happy woman. From every window in her home, she can gaze at the pastures where her beloved alpacas are grazing, frolicking, and soaking up the sunshine. Over one hundred lively alpacas reside on the 16 acres of The Alpaca Connection in Woodbury, Connecticut.

Joan's adventure began in the late 1980's. Although she was successful in her job, she felt that something was missing from her life. A visit to a friend's home in New York state and a subsequent trip to another farm changed her life forever. "My friend raised llamas which I thought would be too large and heavy for me to handle. Then, I went to a farm with both llamas and alpacas, and once I saw the alpacas, I knew that I was in love. So, I swallowed hard, did research, then took out a substantial loan and began the business of breeding alpacas, which has become my passion. I started with two animals. After several trips to Peru, I added another 15. I took a big financial risk, I know, but I've been repaid so many times over. I have never looked back and have never once regretted my decision. I worked hard to earn my money, and I chose to do something exciting with it. What better way to enjoy life?"

Within a short period of time, The Alpaca Connection was up and running. It was the first alpaca farm in Connecticut and soon became home to the first cria born in the state, Captain Wooley. Joan relates that it took her a while to get used to the quiet on the farm and the nature surrounding it. As a "city girl", she nonetheless always loved the outdoors. She has said many times, "I've loved this lifestyle from the moment I started. I feel so lucky to be able to do something I love and to make a living at the same time."
As a fervent animal lover, Joan enjoys the personal contact with her alpacas. Gentle and curious as they are, Joan has been at ease inviting them into her house, to the delight of her guests. One New Year's Eve, Joan shined floodlights onto the outdoor deck so that her friends could watch the alpacas play. "Without question, they were the highlight of the party!"

Early on, one of Joan's alpacas was born prematurely and was blinded in the process. The veterinarians advised euthanizing the cria, which Joan would not even consider. Instead, for six weeks, baby Sylvie's head had to be kept upright day and night. Whenever the hospital staff was unavailable for night duty, Joan drove two hours after work, stayed with Sylvie, then returned to work early the next morning. When Sylvie was able to come home, she still needed this extra care, and Joan put her in bed with her. So, Sylvie grew up climbing stairs and sleeping in a queen-sized bed! One night Sylvie was fidgeting into the wee hours. Finally, exasperated, Joan said to her, "Sylvie, if you don't settle down, I'll have to take you to the barn!" Sylvie immediately stopped squirming and soon fell asleep. All these years later, Joan says, "Sylvie is my happiest alpaca. She gets a banana most every day, her favorite treat, and she is spoiled by all my staff. Her blindness has never interfered with her living a full alpaca life. She is one-half Accoyo and has beautiful crias. Amazingly, every one of her crias, including the males, stays close to her at all times. Even in the pasture, the crias only leave her side briefly to run and play with the others. They make sure to accompany her when she's called back to the barn. These animals continue to teach me lessons about life!"

For Joan, one of the most rewarding aspects of the business is helping new breeders to get started. She has clients from Virginia to Maine and as far west as Ohio. She is available day or night to answer questions or to rush to give aid in an emergency. There have been several calls to her in the middle of the night, and she grabs the supplies she needs and heads to the farm. Once, her clients came home from a trip to discover Joan delivering their first cria! The camaraderie and cooperation among alpaca breederscontinue to inspire Joan and to enrich her life.

Joan's clients know and appreciate her generosity first hand. They know that she is fair and honest with them and that she will go the extra mile to support their aims and needs. There are many stories of Joan's benevolence out there, but one in particular stands out. One of her clients lost a beautiful young female to a sudden, rare illness. The clients and Joan were all distraught for some time. Soon thereafter, Joan delivered to them a sister of the lost alpaca...at no charge. She empathized so completely with her client's loss that she did the only thing she thought would honor that bond.

As Joan has said, "When the alpacas were introduced into my life, it was like completing a circle that I didn't know had a wedge out of it. they continually make me realize all that I have to be thankful for. Being with them all these years has given my life new meaning." Yes, Joan McCurry is a happy woman.

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