Alpacas protect lambs from foxes

Alpacas have been lent to a farmer in Berkshire to help protect newborn lambs from foxes. The animals have been brought in for their guarding instincts and one of them has been spotted apparently helping a newborn to its feet.

Farmer Janet Spiller, from Hurst near Wokingham, asked her friend if she could borrow the alpacas, which appear at country shows and special events.

Ten lambs have now been born and are enjoying their surroundings unharmed. Ms Spiller, who co-owns the sheep, said she had spotted foxes in hedges near her flock.

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She added: "We've only got a small flock ... and we knew we had 10 lambs due. We were quite keen to make sure we had 10 live lambs at the end of it. It's been really interesting to watch these alpacas in action.