Hidden away at the foot of a Portuguese mountain is a sustainable ecological farm with 14 woolly leggy alpacas run by a Maltese woman.
Lisa Vella-Gatt, 46, owns the Monte Frio Alpacas farm in Benfeita, Portugal, which she has been running since she moved there in 2009 after years living in London.
The quiet, shaggy creatures run free in the farm, giving Ms Vella-Gatt around 50 kilos of wool every year.
Originating from Peru, alpacas are the smallest of the Camelid family, which includes camels, llamas and dromedaries. They are primarily bred for their wool, which is very fine, light, and soft with a high value price.
“They are intriguing creatures, which captivate people’s hearts. They have a gentle, inquisitive, and social nature,” Ms Vella-Gatt said.
She also organises treks in the countryside using the alpacas tailored to the needs, abilities and interests of the group. She had three-year-olds taking part and an 86-year-old who “put us to shame”.
“They are ideal as they are not easily startled, and remain calm around excitable children, loud noises, and other wildlife.”
Her love for the animals is evident. She describes them as gentle, passive, and peaceful, charismatic and engaging.
“Interacting with these animals fosters a personal connection to wildlife and nature that may promote future interests in wildlife.”
Ms Vella-Gatt lives on the farm with her three children: Eve, 12, William, nine and six-year-old Joseph, who share her passion.
“They adore the alpacas, especially when the babies are born. They are very comfortable and confident in their company – just like the alpacas.”
She started researching the qualities of alpaca wool when her son Joseph was born and was in the intensive baby care unit.
“All three of my children grew up with wool diapers, wool being self-cleaning, soft and breathable and a renewable resource.
“Seeing many new babies in petroleum-based wraps in that ward, I felt I really wanted to offer an alternative.”
However, trying to find pure woollen garments for new born or premature babies at that time was very “exclusive”.
“Discovering alpacas and their amazing wool, soft, warm, hypoallergenic, range of fabulous natural colours with no need of harsh chemicals to clean or dye the wool, presented the perfect alternative,” she said.
Ms Vella-Gatt said she always had an interest in sustainable ecology and a desire to work with natural fibres, especially wool. “My dream came true with the opportunity to raise these incredible animals in a sustainable and ethical way and work with a co-operative of passionate fibre artist and volunteers.”
At the farm, they design and produce a range of locally handcrafted beautiful alpaca wool products and organise workshops in the traditional crafts of spinning, weaving and felting. The aim of the project is to supply a very personal experience that is fun, inspiring and interactive with alpacas and the outdoors.
Although she admitted that she misses her family, the people, fireworks and pastizzi from Malta, she is deeply in love with her Portuguese home.
“The mountains are a constant source of beauty throughout the year and the people of this region are very generous and full of spirit.”