Just outside Islamabad, a zoo has found an unusual way to draw in visitors: pairing a cup of coffee with the company of alpacas. The new attraction, aptly named 'Coffee with Alpaca', lets guests enjoy drinks and snacks while watching, feeding, and petting the animals. The zoo says the ten alpacas, imported from abroad, are the first of their kind in Pakistan.
A novel experience in the capital's outskirts
The venue, located in the hills near the Pakistani capital, has been designed to offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can sit at shaded tables while the alpacas roam nearby, and staff are on hand to guide interactions. The zoo's management hopes the attraction will appeal to both locals and tourists looking for an unconventional outing.
Alpacas, native to South America, are known for their gentle temperament and fluffy coats. They have become popular in recent years in various parts of the world as part of 'café with animals' trends, from cat cafés in Tokyo to sheep cafés in Scotland. The Islamabad zoo's initiative follows a similar concept, but with a distinctly local twist.
According to the zoo's director, the alpacas were imported after months of planning and coordination with international breeders. 'We wanted to offer something unique for our visitors, and alpacas are not only adorable but also very interactive,' he said. The animals have been acclimatised to the local climate and are under the care of a dedicated veterinary team.
The attraction has already drawn curious crowds, with many visitors sharing photos and videos on social media. One visitor, a resident of Islamabad, said: 'It's a lovely experience, especially for children. The alpacas are very friendly, and the coffee is good too.'
While the concept is new to Pakistan, it echoes a trend seen elsewhere. In Serbia, a café in the northern resort of Zlatibor has been pairing coffee with alpacas for years, offering a similar mix of relaxation and animal interaction. That establishment has become a popular stop for tourists, suggesting that such attractions can thrive beyond their initial novelty.
The Islamabad zoo's move also comes at a time when Pakistan is looking to boost its domestic tourism sector. The country has seen a gradual increase in visitors to its northern areas, and innovative attractions like this could help diversify the appeal of the capital region.
However, animal welfare experts have urged caution. 'It's important that the animals are well cared for and that interactions are supervised to avoid stress,' said a spokesperson for a local animal rights group. The zoo has assured the public that the alpacas receive proper nutrition, shelter, and regular health checks.
For now, the 'Coffee with Alpaca' experience appears to be a hit. The zoo plans to expand the area with more seating and possibly additional animals in the future. As one visitor put it: 'It's a little piece of the Andes in the Margalla Hills.'
