About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Creature Feature #13: Alpaca

The Alpaca of Peru is a domesticated species - there are no known wild populations in existence. It has been farmed for thousands of years by the native people of South America, specifically for its thick coat of luxurious fibre, not unlike wool. Small and stockier than their cousins, the llama, alpaca were not bred to be beasts of burden. Instead they are farmed for their coat and, occasionally, their meat. There are over 52 different natural colours available in their “wool”.

They are vocal creatures, that live in large family groups, lead by an alpha male. Although their defensive behaviour is called “spitting” it is more akin to vomitting, as it contains stomach matter. They use a communual dung pile and, allegedly, can be house trained.

This is the first entirely domesticated species I have unwittingly illustrated as part of my Animal Alphabet. When I reach the “V”s I will illustrate their probable ancestor, the Vicuna.

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