​Interacting with animals has many mental health benefits and has been proven to help lessen symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that animal exposure decreases levels of cortisol, a stress inducing hormone and can lower blood pressure. In addition, animal exposure has also been found to reduce loneliness and increase feelings of support and care. 

“When I had depression two years ago, it felt like no one was there for me. My dog, Max, provided me with the support that I needed without even trying. Just petting him and having him lay on my lap made me feel so much better,” said Annie, who has dealt with depression in the past.

Even just petting and playing with animals provides a lot of support for stress, and specifically lowers stress-related hormones. The benefits of interacting with animals occur after just five minutes of interaction. Playing with them also increases serotonin and dopamine levels, as seen by researchers at UCLA Health. As seen through multiple studies, interacting with animals doesn’t just make you feel less stressed, it actually makes you happier. There are so many benefits to being around animals, and you do not have to have your own pet to experience them. There are many opportunities to be exposed to a variety of different animals, including petting zoos, farms, and more.

​Have you ever wondered how alpacas made it to California when they originally came from over 5,000 miles away. Alpacas originated from South America, specifically from the Andes Mountains. They could be found in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. They descended from camelids that were originally from North America who then migrated to South Africa 3 million years ago. Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played an important role in Andean culture and their economy. The Incas used alpacas and llamas for food, transportation, religious ceremonies and more. They were treasured in Incan culture because of their fleece, which was meant for royalty only.

Alpacas have been exported all over the world, especially the United States. Californians first purchased alpacas from the first importation from Chile in 1983. Subsequent imports from Bolivia and Peru also occurred in the 1990s. Since then, alpacas have continued to be imported and now there are many farms in the state that are dedicated to alpacas. There is even a membership called Calpaca that consists of over 160 alpaca farmers that support and educate one another on alpaca care. Alpacas are such exotic and rare animals with a rare background and history that makes them even more interesting. Next time you see an alpaca in California, you’ll know exactly how they got there.

​Canzelle Alpacas is now offering their Pal-paca program, where customers can purchase a yearly membership. The Pal-paca program is perfect for those who love visiting the farm and live in the Santa Barbara area.

​“We love when guests visit the farm multiple times, and this program will hopefully provide them the opportunity to do so. Our animals easily develop relationships with our guests, so when you join the membership you will become their real pal,” said Carol-Anne Lonson, the owner of Canzelle Alpacas.

With the membership, guests can have access to many perks and benefits to make their experience on the farm even better. Guests with the membership can purchase private tours for the price of group tours, which is $30 per guest. While usually private tours cost $600 for up to 20 people, Pal-paca members do not need to pay the full amount and will only need to pay per person in their party. A big perk is that membership holders will have the opportunity to participate in unique hands-on experiences on the farm, like bathing our baby alpacas or making their own alpaca fur teddy bear. Canzelle Alpacas was made with the goal of exposing more people to these unique creatures, and the membership will promote an even deeper connection between our alpacas and our members.