Story By: Kathryn Quinn, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

This cute baby alpaca has been stolen from a petting zoo leaving its owners desperately searching for it.

The alpaca was only a few days old when it went missing from a petting zoo at a hotel in Burg, located within the Spree-Neisse district of Brandenburg, Germany.

A hotel worker reported finding the alpaca mother totally frantic and noticing the baby was missing at the weekend.

The hotel started a search for the missing animal named Christinchen right away but could not find it. The hotel then launched a social media appeal.

The hotel manager from Landhotel Burg said: “We believe that Christinchen was stolen. We have not reported this to police as the chances of anything happening are so slim.”

Despite days of appeals the hotel reported today: “We are thankful for all your help. We will keep you posted if a miracle happens and Christinchen is found.”

Only last week the hotel proudly posted about the alpaca’s birth: “A baby alpaca has joined us!”

But days later they were forced to post the sad news the alpaca baby had been stolen, saying: “Dear followers, we want to let you know that our alpaca has been stolen and has not returned. We are very thankful for all your shares. If you have any valuable information please send us a message.”

Christinchen was born on 18th November and had light brown fur and was settled into the mini zoo with her parents. A further three alpacas live at the zoo alongside goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, emus and chickens as well as pot bellied pigs and guinea pigs.

The alpaca is a species of South American camelid. It is similar to a llama. However, alpacas are often noticeably smaller than llamas. The two animals are closely related and can successfully cross-breed. They are renowned for their warm wool and their happy temperament.

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