Shortly after her birth, the little alpaca showed interest in the new world around her, but she was unable to stand on her own. The cause was probably a selenium deficiency.
During the first attempts to help her reach her mother Delores's udders, she protested. To prevent her from going hungry, she was fed from a bottle.
For about a week, inspector Steffi Späthe worked intensively to save Mayra's life, helping her stand, bringing her to her mother's udders and feeding her from a bottle. At the same time, Mayra also required veterinary care.
After six days, the efforts proved successful. The little alpaca refused the bottle in favor of her mother's milk, and despite human intervention, her mother continued to care lovingly for her offspring throughout.
All's well that ends well? Not quite: after a few days, Mayra stopped gaining weight. Delores did not have enough milk! Veterinary assistance was needed again, and the veterinarian used homeopathic remedies to stimulate milk production.
The crisis has now been averted, Mayra gains weight every day and is a favorite among visitors.
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