As I was writing the comment I actually thought. Why would we abhor that cute and cuddly alpaca BUT eat lamb and beef? I've raised more than my fair share of both (Lamb and calf) And eaten them (full grown of course) and they are really cute and cuddly to begin. And often later too.
I didn't know proteas grew in Aus would they have been taken over there or is it a different species peculiar to the area? I have Aussie friends who are back there. We always chuckle about the many similarities. Avo. Marmite. Pronounciations
I often find it curious that one culture will look at another and what they eat with distaste when they probably eat stuff that's just as weird.
Proteas grow here, all over the place actually but yes, they have been brought here. I dug up that post I mentioned in my comment above if you're interested. The link is below.
https://peakd.com/hive-163772/@galenkp/hometown-touring
Also...Marmite is heinous...It's all about Vegemite here. It's the best.
Thank you!