From Clapham Common to Hollywood: Legendary local alpacas to hang up their hooves

By Isabel Millett

16th Feb 2022 | Local News

Two beloved local alpacas, Ben and Jerry, will be retiring from the limelight after 17 years at Vauxhall City Farm.

The alpacas arrived at the farm with their late friend Tom back in 2005 and fast became the favourite celebrity guests amongst visitors to the Summer Sundae festivals on Clapham Common.

In the years since they have turned their hooves to adverts, TV spots and supporting parts in film and television.

A feature in Star Wars: The Force Awakens took the pair to Hollywood in 2015 and they made international news rubbing shoulders with royalty at a meeting with Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Monica Tyler, the CEO of Vauxhall City Farm has said: "Ben & Jerry's contribution to Vauxhall City Farm has been incredible.

"They are one of the most popular animals here on the farm, and our alpaca Meet & Greet Experiences are booked up months in advance.

"Though their retirement will be a sad time at the farm, we have plenty of other superstar animals ready to fill any breach they may leave behind."

Vauxhall City Farm has decided it is time for Ben and Jerry to enjoy a quieter life in the countryside and will move them on Wednesday February, 23.

The Lambeth farm is one of the oldest and most central of London's City Farms.

The Farm uses it animals as vehicles for education and change and provides experiences for local people that might otherwise preclude them.

It also provides a vital green space in a heavily built up area and an escape from city life as well as a chance to relax and reconnect with nature.

Visit Vauxhall City Farm to say goodbye to Ben and Jerry.

Clapham planning applications: Ten property plans near you - including new development on Prescott Place

UP CLOSE IN CLAPHAM: with Laika Loves founder, Taya Caroline

Lambeth care home put on notice by watchdog as elderly residents are left bored and immobile in rooms with broken furniture

     

New clapham Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: clapham jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Hardwicke Circus is currently on a nationwide tour, bringing their original sound to Stonegate pubs all over the UK. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)
Local News

Hits a GoGo: Hardwicke Circus releases a tongue-in-cheek bid for chart victory - listen to the single

Michael Crawshaw with his latest work 'The Gerasimov Doctrine' (image by Nub News)
Advertisement Features

Unveiling the Intrigue: 'The Gerasimov Doctrine' by Michael Crawshaw

Sign-Up for our FREE Newsletter

We want to provide clapham with more and more clickbait-free local news.
To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following.
Help us survive and sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
We won't pass your details on to anyone else.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our Privacy Policy.