Baby alpaca Carmela takes first wobbly steps at Vancouver zoo

A newborn alpaca, nicknamed Carmela after her fluffy caramel-coloured coat, takes her first steps alongside her mother Penelope, at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in this Aug. 5, 2025 handout photo. (Handout / Greater Vancouver Zoo / Michael Jacobsen / The Canadian Press)

A baby alpaca named Carmela has taken her wobbly first steps at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

The fluffy caramel-coloured newborn can be seen unsteadily getting to her feet in a video shared on social media by the zoo in Aldergrove, B.C.

The baby alpaca -- also known as a cria -- stumbles a few times before leaning against her mother, Penelope, and finding her stride.

Martha McIntosh, lead keeper at the zoo, says guests were able to watch Carmela being born on Aug. 5.

McIntosh says Carmela, named after her colour, has a timid yet curious personality and is attached to her mother, who has been nursing and looking after her carefully.

Other members of the alpaca family at the zoo include Carmela’s dad, Titus, and big brother Tauntaun.

This report by Fatima Raza of The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2025.