Frequently asked questions about Alpacas Zeelandia
Are you coming to meet our alpacas and llamas? How exciting! We can imagine you might have a few questions beforehand. Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our activities, the Alpaca Rescue Center, children, accessibility, and our animals.
Is your question not listed? Feel free to get in touch with us, we are happy to help you prepare for your alpaca adventure!
General visits and bookings
Yes, you need to book a ticket in advance for our activities. That way, you can be sure there’s space available, and we can prepare carefully for your visit. On the ‘Book your visit’ page, you can see straight away which activities and dates are available.
During the Alpaca Rescue Centre’s opening hours, you can visit the discovery trail with an admission ticket. Activities such as the beach walk, Alpaca High Tea, Rescue Tour, Beach Combo and llama walk require advance booking. Please therefore always check our current opening hours and availability first.
You can find us at Prelaatweg 69, 4363 ND in Aagtekerke. Our farm is situated on Walcheren, close to Domburg and the Zeeland coast. When booking an activity, always check the starting point carefully: some walks start at a different location or involve travelling from the farm to the beach in your own transport.
Yes, there are 35 parking spaces available at Alpacas Zeelandia. During busy periods, we recommend travelling by bike or public transport. Does your activity start or end at the beach? If so, please bear in mind that paid parking applies there from 1 March to 31 October inclusive.
Yes. From Middelburg station, you can take the bus towards the Sint Jan ten Heere stop. This stop is about 100 metres from our entrance. Bus timetables are subject to change, so please plan your journey there and back in advance using 9292 and enter Prelaatweg 69 in Aagtekerke as your destination.
Unfortunately, our site is not yet fully accessible to people with disabilities. We do not have an accessible toilet, and the nature trail runs partly over wood chips, steps and uneven natural ground. Our beach, dune and woodland walks are also not suitable for people with walking difficulties.
No, dogs and other pets are not permitted on our premises or at our activities. Alpacas and llamas are flight animals and may be startled by dogs, even if a dog is calm or on a lead. This helps us to ensure peace and safety for all our animals and visitors.
No, our entire site is smoke-free. This also applies during our activities. This helps us to keep the environment pleasant and safe for our animals, visitors and staff.
Please make sure you arrive 10 minutes before the stated start time. Our guided activities start on the dot and the animals can’t wait. If you’re late, you won’t be able to join in, unfortunately, but you’ll still be required to pay.
Yes, anyone taking part in an activity or accompanying a group to see the animals must be registered as a participant in advance. Even if you just want to watch, you’ll need a valid ticket for the guided activities. This allows us to manage group sizes and ensure a safe and peaceful environment for both people and animals.
By visiting us, you’re helping us to help them. The proceeds from admission tickets and activities go towards providing healthy food, daily care and medical treatment for the alpacas at our sanctuary. This way, you’ll enjoy a special day out whilst giving alpacas in need a second chance.
No, it is only possible to pay in cash on site.
Alpaca Rescue Center and experience path
At the Alpaca Rescue Centre Netherlands, we take in neglected, sick and abused alpacas from all over the Netherlands. Here, they receive the peace and quiet, social care and expert medical support they need. During your visit, you’ll find out more about their recovery and the remarkable stories behind our residents.
The Alpaca Experience Trail is an interactive route through the pastures of our Rescue Centre. You can walk at your own pace amongst the alpacas and llamas, learning all about their behaviour, care and health along the way. You can also explore our anatomical micro-museum, the surprising poo lab and the wool trailer.
Allow around 60 to 90 minutes for the experience trail. You set your own pace. You might spend a little longer watching the alpacas at play, dive into the poo lab at length, or enjoy a tasty treat in the AlpaCafé afterwards.
Absolutely! The experience path is fun and educational for all ages. Young Alpaca Rangers can go on a treasure hunt with Pleun and Axel, complete ranger missions, get stuck in as a Poop Professor and find out what it’s like to be a real alpaca rescuer.
Children aged 0 to 2 enter for free. For children aged 3 to 11, there is a special child ticket, which includes an Alpaca Ranger Pack with a scavenger hunt and a cup of lemonade.
On the experience path, you view the alpacas from the trail while respecting their personal space. Some animals are curious and love to come closer, while others prefer rest. Always follow the instructions of our staff and do not touch the animals uninvited.
No, feeding our alpacas and llamas on your own is strictly prohibited. Many animals in our rescue require a special diet or medical care. Incorrect or excessive food can be harmful to them. During activities where feeding is part of the program, our guides will explain exactly what is allowed.
The AlpaCafé is open during the operating hours of the Rescue Center. After your walk, you can settle in for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh juice, and delicious treats. In our shop, you will also find alpaca souvenirs and beautiful products made from genuine alpaca wool.
Many of our animals are here to recover. Please walk calmly across the grounds, do not run or shout, and always close gates behind you. Do not climb over fences, do not feed the animals yourself, and follow our staff’s instructions. This ensures a pleasant visit for everyone, including our alpacas.
No, only cash payments are accepted in the shop.
Beach walk with alpacas
During our beach walk, you trek alongside the alpacas through the dunes and along the beach between Domburg and Westkapelle. You hold the lead yourself, swapping animals along the way to get to know different personalities. Naturally, there is plenty of time for questions, selfies, and a lovely group photo with the sea in the background.
The beach walk takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. We always adapt to the pace of the accompanying alpacas. They love setting their own pace—whether taking a moment to look around, wading through the surf, or happily bouncing through the sand.
The beach walk is suitable for ages 10 and up. Children aged 10 to 14 can participate under the supervision of a paying adult. For younger children, we recommend visiting our alpaca experience path, which offers plenty to discover for all ages.
Yes! We walk with two participants per alpaca and swap along the route. This gives everyone the opportunity to lead an alpaca and get to know different animals and their unique personalities.
The route through the dunes and loose sand is relatively active. Therefore, the walk is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and dirty, and keep in mind that our alpacas love stepping into the water.
Dress in layers and choose clothing that can take a beating. In spring and autumn, we recommend high rubber boots, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and warm headwear. In summer, shorts, water shoes, sunscreen, a cap, and a water bottle are recommended. Always bring a change of dry clothes, socks, and shoes for afterward.
There is a high chance you will! Our alpacas adore the ocean and love stepping into the water. We adapt the route to what the animals enjoy. If you are not dressed to get wet, you may not be able to lead an alpaca for part of the walk.
The safety of both people and animals always comes first. In cases of thunderstorms, heavy rain, snow, hail, extreme heat, crowds, or wind forecasts starting at Beaufort force 5, the walk cannot proceed. If we cancel, we aim to inform you via email or phone by 8:00 PM the evening before at the latest. Please also monitor our Facebook page for unexpected weather updates.
The beach walk proceeds with a minimum of four participants. Participants do not need to belong to the same party; we can combine multiple bookings. If there are insufficient sign-ups, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Please check the start location listed in your reservation. If the walk starts at the farm, you will drive your own car behind our trailer to the beach and back afterward. Please keep paid parking at the beach in mind from March 1 through October 31.
No, only cash payments are accepted.
Alpaca High Tea
During our Alpaca High Tea, you will enjoy tea, coffee, and a delicious mix of sweet and savory treats right among our softest island residents. The alpacas wander curiously between the tables while we share all about their lifestyle, unique traits, and the stories of our rescue alpacas.
The Alpaca High Tea takes approximately 1.5 hours. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time, as we begin promptly to ensure plenty of time to meet the animals and enjoy the experience together.
The Alpaca High Tea is strictly accessible for ages 10 and up. Children aged 10 to 14 are welcome under the supervision of a paying adult, provided they can remain seated calmly at the table throughout the High Tea. Babies and children under 10 years old cannot join.
Alpacas are gentle but sensitive prey animals. They can be startled by sudden movements, running children, or loud noises. Additionally, there is no safe area in the space for crawling or running around. This age limit helps us protect the peace and safety of both our animals and our guests.
Yes, under guidance, you may gently pet the alpacas on their neck or back and feed them special pellets. Our guides will explain how to make calm contact and read an alpaca’s body language. Of course, there is also plenty of time for a lovely photo together.
You will enjoy unlimited coffee and tea alongside a mix of sweet and savory delicacies, such as hot snacks, cream puffs, petit fours, brownies, and authentic Zeeland cinnamon rolls (bolussen). Specific offerings may vary.
Unfortunately, we cannot make adjustments for dietary allergies, intolerances, or vegetarian/vegan diets. Our catering is sourced externally, meaning we cannot guarantee safe or suitable alternatives. Please take this into consideration before booking.
The High Tea proceeds with a minimum of four participants, which can consist of combined parties. If there are insufficient sign-ups, we will inform you by 8:00 PM the evening prior to the activity via email or phone. Note: if we call, it may be from a private number.
No, only cash payments are accepted.
Alpaca Rescue Tour
The Alpaca Rescue Tour offers an exclusive look behind the scenes of our sanctuary. Together with an experienced alpaca keeper, you will visit areas hidden from general visitors and step directly into the pasture. You will meet our residents up close and discover the remarkable stories behind their rescue and recovery.
The Rescue Tour takes approximately one hour. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time. We begin promptly, and once the group has joined the animals, late joining is unfortunately not possible.
The Rescue Tour is suitable for ages 10 and up. Children aged 10 to 14 may participate under the supervision of a paying adult. Everyone entering the pasture must be registered in advance as a participant.
You will learn how to approach an alpaca calmly, read its body language, and understand what it takes to help a rescue alpaca recover physically and mentally. Our keeper will discuss daily care, nutrition, medical treatments, and the moving stories of our residents. You are more than welcome to ask questions!
Absolutely! Special moments happen naturally during the tour. As long as the atmosphere remains calm and safe, there is plenty of opportunity to take photos. Our guide is happy to help capture a wonderful photo memory of your visit.
Wear comfortable clothing that can handle a bit of dirt and dress in layers. Near the Zeeland coast, it is often cooler and windier than expected. Avoid flapping jackets, ponchos, and long loose scarves, as these can startle the alpacas.
In case of heavy rain, high winds, or stormy weather, we move the tour into our barn where possible. If this cannot be done safely or comfortably, the tour will be canceled. We aim to inform you via email by 8:00 PM the evening before at the latest. Please check your spam folder before departure.
100% of ticket sales go directly toward food, care, and medical treatment for alpacas in need. By participating, you not only enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes look, but also directly support their rehabilitation.
No, only cash payments are accepted.
High Tea and beach walk: the Beach Combo
The Beach Combo brings together the best of both worlds. You begin with a sweet High Tea among the alpacas at our farm. Afterward, you help guide the animals into the trailer, drive your own vehicle behind us to the coast, and enjoy a lovely walk together along the beach and through the dunes.
The full Beach Combo takes approximately 2.5 hours. The High Tea lasts about 60 minutes, and the beach walk also takes roughly an hour. In between, we prepare the alpacas and drive together to the beach.
This activity is suitable for ages 10 and up. Children aged 10 to 14 may participate under the supervision of a paying adult. Everyone present with the alpacas and on the beach walk must be registered in advance as a participant.
A maximum of 12 participants can join. During the walk, we pair two people per alpaca and switch along the route, giving everyone the opportunity to lead one of our alpacas.
Yes. Following the High Tea, you will drive your own vehicle behind our trailer from the farm to the beach. Paid parking applies at the beach from March 1 through October 31.
Choose clothing that is comfortable, can get dirty, and suits the coastal Zeeland weather. Bring a warm layer and a proper jacket, and avoid flapping clothing, ponchos, and long loose scarves. Sturdy shoes or rubber boots that can get wet are highly recommended.
In the event of storms or heavy rain, we first assess if part of the program can take place safely inside the barn. If conditions are too rough for the beach walk, the activity will unfortunately be canceled. We will inform you via email by 8:00 PM the evening before at the latest. Please keep a close eye on your phone as well.
Yes! Afterward, you will receive a personal Alpacas Zeelandia souvenir to take home—a tangible memory alongside your wonderful experiences with the alpacas.
No, only cash payments are accepted.
Walk with llamas
During the llama walk, you will explore Zeeland alongside your own friendly and inquisitive walking buddy. Llamas love taking time along the route for a bite of grass, a short sprint, or an inquisitive glance at their surroundings. Naturally, there is plenty of opportunity for photos, including a group photo with all the llamas.
From September 1 through March 29, we walk through the forest and along the beach around Westhove Castle. From April 1 through August 31, you can combine the walk with a visit to the Alpaca Rescue Center and the experience path. Always check our current opening hours before visiting.
The walk takes approximately 1 to 1.75 hours. The exact duration depends on the route, conditions, and the pace of our llamas, who like to take their time exploring their environment along the way.
The llama walk is strictly available for participants aged 16 and older. Each llama is led by one registered participant. Because you guide the animal independently across natural terrain, forest paths, and beach sand, we strictly enforce this age limit for the safety of both guests and animals.
Unfortunately, the llama walk is less suitable for individuals with mobility challenges. The route involves loose sand, uneven forest paths, and wading through water. If you are unsure whether the walk is manageable for you, please contact us before booking.
Choose windproof and waterproof clothing and wear high rubber boots or sturdy shoes that can get wet. Llamas frequently step into the water during the walk, which can reach knee-height depending on conditions. Bring a towel and a complete change of dry clothes, socks, and shoes.
For safety reasons, the walk may be canceled in wind speeds starting at 5 Bft, heavy rain, snow, thunderstorms, hail, extreme heat, or exceptional crowds. We will inform you via email or phone by 8:00 PM on the evening prior to the activity. For sudden weather changes, we share the latest updates on our Facebook page.
The walk proceeds with a minimum of four participants, who do not need to belong to the same party. If sign-ups are insufficient or conditions are unsafe, we will contact you as soon as possible.
No, only cash payments are accepted.
Frequently asked questions about alpacas
Alpacas and llamas are both South American camelids, but they are distinct species. A llama is larger, more robustly built, and has longer, banana-shaped ears. An alpaca is smaller with short, pointed ears and is bred primarily for its fine, soft fleece. Their temperaments and handling requirements also differ.
Yes, alpacas can spit, but they usually do so at each other. It is their way of setting boundaries—for instance, around food or when another alpaca gets too close. They rarely spit at humans without reason. By handling them calmly and respecting their body language, unnecessary stress is easily avoided.
Although alpacas look incredibly huggable, most do not enjoy tight cuddling. They are prey animals that prefer deciding how much physical contact they want. Some alpacas enjoy a gentle touch along their neck or back, while others prefer keeping their distance. We are happy to show you how to interact with them respectfully.
No, alpacas are herd animals and must never be kept alone. They require herd mates to feel safe, graze together, rest, and communicate. Human companionship or animals of another species cannot replace the bond they need with other alpacas.
Their core diet consists of grass and suitable forage, supplemented with essential minerals and feed tailored to the animal’s age and health. Alpacas have sensitive digestive systems; never feed them bread, vegetables, fruit, or other human food. Rescue alpacas in particular often require a carefully monitored dietary plan.
On average, an alpaca lives between 15 and 20 years. Quality nutrition, suitable shelter, companionship, preventive care, and timely veterinary attention play key roles. Senior alpacas often require extra support to age comfortably and healthily.
Alpacas are typically sheared once a year before the warm summer months arrive. Their dense fleece grows continuously and can otherwise cause severe overheating and discomfort. Shearing is vital for their well-being. The soft wool can then be processed into items like socks, scarves, hats, and blankets.
Many animals in our sanctuary have experienced neglect, illness, improper housing, or trauma. Physical recovery is only one part of their care. Building trust, adjusting to a healthy herd, and learning that human interaction is safe takes time. That is why our alpacas always set the pace for interaction.
