Community
9 March, 2026
Celebrity alpaca is no show pony
If there’s such a thing as an alpaca celebrity, Hephner tops the A list.
If there’s such a thing as an alpaca celebrity, Hephner tops the A list.
Hephner made worldwide headlines in 2024 after sneezing on King Charles during a royal visit to Australia.
Life hasn’t been the same since.
He’s a regular at hen’s nights, buck’s nights and weddings – but also at fundraisers for important causes.
Hephner’s Goulburn owner Robert Fletcher regularly visits hospices, nursing homes and mental health units in his own time.
He says it’s not only about the residents but also about the families who are visiting.
Most of them are used to support dogs but are “shocked” when an alpaca walks through the door.
Mr Fletcher said he was happy to accept paid jobs and to give something back to the community on his way home.
Hephner has been a regular at the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show showbag launch supporting kids with cancer and will be one of the drawcards in the alpaca pavilion at this year’s show.
Mr Fletcher – who owns 50 alpacas and 30 llamas – said Hephner was a “remarkable” animal who is comfortable travelling in lifts.
He is also happy sitting in the reception room when his owner works at his government job in Canberra.
Hephner delighted people of all ages at this year’s Goulburn Show with his gentle nature and soft fur.
Read More: Goulburn, Southern Highlands