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Gemini Alpacas (as it was first named) was started
in 2003 in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in the shadow of
glacial mountains just east of Mt. Rainer and Chinook Pass
in the gorgeous Nile Valley right on the Naches River. After
doing the usual research to learn about these beautiful camelids,
we checked out websites: AOBA (Alpacas Owners and Breeders
Association) and ARI (Alpacas Registry) among others; we visited
farms and ranches who were in the business, attended Northwest
Alpacas seminars with Mike Safley, Alan Cousill and Fred Kraft.
 Dr.
Ralph Uber was one of the first in the United States to raise
alpacas. Dr. Uber lived in Cottonwood Canyon in West Yakima,
Washington, so we called to make arrangements to visit his
ranch. We learned that Dr. Ralph Uber started raising alpacas
by purchasing the herd of ten alpacas in 1982 from Richard
and Kay Patterson. They had made the first known private importation
into the USA from England. Dr. Uber added to his herd by purchasing
animals from a zoo in Canada. In 1984, Dr. Uber and Mike Safley's
father were involved in importing alpacas from Chile and were
followed by others. The breeding of alpacas by private individuals
was going forward.
By 1986 there was discussion by alpaca breeders
and owners to form an association. In 1987 it was decided
to call it the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association commonly
known as AOBA. In October, 1988, the formation of the organization
took place along with basic bylaws and articles of incorporation
as well as establishing an alpaca registry.
 We
spent a lot of time with Dr. Uber and his agent Diane Longo
(who had contributed to the import criteria before the borders
closed to non-registered alpacas) discussing all the facets
of alpaca care, handling, breeding, investment, etc. After
hours of discussion we finally went to see his alpacas. What
a thrill that was! They recommended a few foundation herd
combinations. We went home with a great love for these animals
to figure out how we could start up a foundation herd, do
fencing and cross-fencing, sheds, hay, feeding, watering,
as well as figuring how we could do all this on a little less
than 3 acres.
It wasn't long before we purchased our foundation
herd of some of the finest animals in the northwest. Verne
loved the suris and Barbara loved the huacayas, so of course
the foundation herd consisted of both. We soon saw the benefits
of our new animals, and that we were running out of room.
We moved to be closer to family in southern Arizona so we
could share our joy of raising alpacas together. We purchased
28 acres in October, 2004, and closed in January, 2005. Verne
came down in March 2005 and by May 1, Verne and our son Mike
had gotten percolation tests, road access, a well, power,
permits, fencing and cross-fencing of 5 acres done. Whew!
What an accomplishment. Along the way we discovered the secrets
of working together and teaching each other as well as our
children and grandchildren.
As we continue to grow and raise our animals
we look not only to the future, but also back to the lessons
we learned over the years. With a strong sense of family,
community and environment we strive to help others to share
the beauty of both the animals and nature.
We are a small operation allowing hands-on care
and association with each alpaca, as well as in breeding.
We specialize in carrying on great genetics from famous herdsires
and dams. Our goals are to breed for excellence in fiber,
conformation, typical huacaya and suri heads, ears, teeth,
etc.
We were originally called Gemini Alpacas and
changed our name to Gemini Star Alpacas when we realized that
we needed a Breeder ID with Alpaca Registry, Inc.
All of our alpacas are named after stars, constellations,
and associated Greek and Roman myths. So "CATCH A SHOOTING
STAR"!! We know you will love our animals.
Our Arizona Alpaca Farm
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Gemini Star Alpacas, Barbara and Verne Riley
HC 1, Box 593 / 488 Lower Elgin Road, Elgin, Arizona 85611
Phone: 520-455-5623 Fax: 520-455-5623
Cell: 520-559-7054 (Barbara) Cell: 520-559-7055 (Verne)
Email:
All of our alpacas are tested and BVD
free.
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