New Zealand Alpaca Named World’s Oldest At 27

A 27-year-old alpaca named Hawthornden Wainui living on a farm in New Zealand has been officially recognized as the oldest alpaca in the world by Guinness World Records. Born in 1998, Wainui has been under the care of owners Vicki and Alex Cordier since 2002. Described as a bit of a “grumpy old man” by Vicki Cordier, Wainui used to be the herd lookout in his younger days. Despite his age, he continues to get along with the other alpacas but now spends most of his time with a goat named Barney and a sheep named Squeak. Cordier attributes Wainui’s longevity to the comfortable living conditions he enjoys, including access to shelter during inclement weather. (Upi)