ANNISTON, Ala. — Redbird Willow Farm in Anniston is seeking the public's assistance in locating Chappy, an alpaca reported missing since Tuesday morning. The animal was last seen on the farm's east pasture. Chappy has not returned.

Farm owner Sandra Pruett reported the animal missing to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, which has confirmed it is aware of the investigation. Sheriff's deputies conducted an initial walk of the property Wednesday morning. Chappy was not located during the walk.

"Chappy is very friendly," said Pruett. "If you see him, please don't approach him too fast. He startles."

Chappy is a male huacaya alpaca, brown in color, approximately five feet tall at the head and weighing 160 pounds. He has been at Redbird Willow Farm since 2021. He is microchipped. His microchip has not been detected.

Alpacas are native to the Andean highlands of South America and are not indigenous to Alabama. Chappy arrived in Alabama via a licensed livestock transport. He is the only alpaca currently registered at the farm. Two llamas remain on the property and are accounted for.

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about Chappy's whereabouts to contact the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office at (256) 236-6600. Tips may also be submitted anonymously. The investigation is ongoing.

Chappy has not returned on his own.