Calhoun County Therapy Farm Owners Plead for Return of Stolen Alpaca Serving Families Facing Trauma and Hardship

Owners of RedBird Willow Farm in Anniston, Alabama, seek information on Chappy, a 3-year-old therapy alpaca they believe was stolen from his pasture.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 9:35 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from WBRC

Disappearance of Essential Comfort Animal in East Alabama

The owners of RedBird Willow Farm are searching for Chappy, a gelded male alpaca who vanished from his home in Anniston last Wednesday. Michele Hornsby, the farm’s owner, expressed deep concern over the animal's sudden absence, noting that there are no physical signs of a predator attack or an accidental escape. Chappy is described as a highly approachable and friendly animal, specifically trained to provide comfort to visitors dealing with trauma, making his sudden disappearance a significant blow to the farm's therapeutic mission.

Physical Characteristics and Behavioral Warnings

Chappy is a three year old alpaca with a distinct light brown, fluffy suri fleece and contrasting dark brown fur on his face and ears. Standing approximately four feet tall and weighing 106 pounds, he is roughly the size of a large dog. Hornsby warned that while Chappy is socialized and friendly like a puppy, he is likely terrified without his herd. As herd animals, alpacas experience significant stress when isolated, and Hornsby cautioned that he may attempt to run if approached by strangers in his current state.

Exclusion of Natural Causes and Predator Theories

The search for the missing alpaca has extended throughout the property and into surrounding wooded areas without success. Hornsby explained that under normal circumstances, alpacas and llamas remain within a very close radius of their home pasture, typically staying in open fields or along visible tree lines. The total lack of evidence suggesting a struggle or a breach in the fencing has led the owners to conclude that Chappy was likely removed from the premises by human intervention.