Ben and Jerry, the “beloved” alpacas at Vauxhall City Farm, are retiring from public life after seventeen years of service, it has been announced.
The cheeky critters have starred in a Star Wars film, hob-nobbed with Royalty and featured on the BBC multiple times during their seventeen years on the farm.
They are leaving London on February 23 to enjoy a quieter life in the countryside.
“Ben & Jerry’s contribution to Vauxhall City Farm has been incredible. They are one of the most popular animals here on the farm,” said Vauxhall City Farm CEO Monica Tyler.
“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,” she added.
Ben, Jerry and their late friend Tom first came to the farm in 2005.
They debuted at the Summer Sundae festivals on Clapham Common.
But this early taste of fame obviously left a lasting impression.
The pair turned their hooves to adverts, TV sports and supporting roles in film and television.
Yet their rise to stardom was catapulted when the alpacas appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and a 2020 meeting with Prince Edward & Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Vauxhall City Farm is one of the oldest and most central of London’s City Farms.
The farm is a vital green space in a heavily built-up area, offering Lambeth locals the chance to escape from city life, relax and reconnect with nature – something that awaits Ben & Jerry too.