The UMass Amherst Camelid Studies program is a non-profit program that is funded solely by private donations. Dr Purdy’s primary goals at the university, and through the Camelid Studies Program, are to provide students with extensive camelid experience for employment within the alpaca and llama industries and to direct qualified undergraduate students towards a career in large animal veterinary medicine with a particular emphasis in camelid practice. The program also aims to expose undergraduate and graduate students, owners, and practicing veterinarians to the latest techniques in camelid medicine, surgery, reproduction, and management. Finally the program provides medical services for alpacas and llamas; and in doing so provides extra learning opportunities for students (who are always welcome to observe lab work being done, outpatient examinations and treatment, as well as opportunities to ride along on occasional farm calls).
