A few days ago, the moment finally arrived: the humpless camel has arrived at his new home, Tierwelt Herberstein. There, together with his two female companions, Flauschi and Dominga, he inhabits a spacious enclosure that he shares with the nandus—ratites that also originate from South America.

Vicuñas live in family groups and are very shy and alert. If they feel threatened, they spit at their perceived attacker; when danger arises, they flee. The smallest camel species produces the finest wool. Among the Incas, vicuña wool was reserved exclusively for the ruler.

Joschi has an exclusive privilege during the acclimatization phase: for the first few days, he has moved into his own enclosure to get used to his new surroundings. The question remains as to which female vicuña he will choose once his privileged living arrangement comes to an end. We’ll find out in a few months. We can look forward to vicuña offspring at Tierwelt Herberstein.