Hephner the celebrity alpaca was like an extra member of the care team, even making use of the lift, when he brought his cuddly love to HammondCare Scone in the Upper Hunter.

Hephner – who has mixed with royalty and celebrities - brought a new level of happiness to the faces of Scone residents including Helen Vincent and Keith Sara, who both couldn’t believe their eyes at the animal visiting.

Under the care of his handler Rob Fletcher, the 10-year-old alpaca visited the dementia and frail-aged care cottages and even toured the independent seniors living community on the site.

HammondCare Scone Residential Manager Caitlyn Easey said animals of all varieties, from puppies to retired thoroughbred racehorses, are regular visitors to the home as part of its pet therapy program. But a visit by an alpaca is a first.

“Animals bring out something special in our residents, a quiet joy, a sense of home. Many grew up on the land, so being around animals feels like reconnecting with a part of themselves” Mrs Easey said on the August 19 visit

“So, when we got a call that Hephner was coming through Scone and available for a visit, we jumped at the opportunity.”

Mrs Easey said it was remarkable how well-behaved Hephner was during his August 19 visit.

Hephner is even toilet trained, so can be taken inside aged care homes to meet residents with limited mobility. According to Rob, Hephner has learned to wait until he returns to his trailer.

HammondCare Scone was one of 17 aged care homes Mr Fletcher visited with Hephner during an 18-day tour that took in NSW country towns in places like Murrurundi, Quirindi, Gilgandra and Moree. There were also some hospitals along the way too.

Hephner became somewhat famous after making headlines in October 2024 for sneezing on King Charles during a visit to the Australian War Memorial.

Rob said his usually well-behaved alpaca was among the crowds behind the barricades when a curious King Charles approached to enquire after Hephner’s name. It was then that the incident occurred.

Rob is emphatic that it was a sneeze and nothing more serious: “It wasn’t spit.” The King laughed about it later during an interview, remarking he had once been sneezed on by an elephant as well.

Rob and wife Jayne, who run Fletchers Ark Farmyard near Goulburn, bought Hephner originally to breed with his other flock. Soon they realised his tame temperament and personality made him an excellent support animal.

Hephner’s been in the background of an episode of the TV series Bondi Rescue and appeared at events around Australia with Guy Sebastian and Jimmy Barnes. He also likes a swim in the surf.

But it’s at venues like HammondCare Scone that tame and cuddly Hephner really brings something exceptional.

“Typically, alpacas can spit, kick and carry on, but not Hephner. He loves the interaction,” Mr Fletcher said.

HammondCare Scone is always looking for volunteers to bring animals along for its pet therapy program – or other volunteers who enjoy conversation, a warm cuppa, or getting creative with crafts to spend time with residents at Strathearn House.