This US Airport Offers Llama Therapy To Soothe Your Travel Stress
Animals can bring immense joy to those who love pets, and many workplaces around the world have introduced cats and dogs to help employees relax.
Following this idea, Portland International Airport has taken a unique approach to enhance passenger comfort. The airport has hired a herd of therapy llamas that roam the premises, offering calm and joy to stressed travellers. To add to the fun, the llamas are dressed in flashy costumes.
Decked up in warm coats with “I heart PDX” neckerchiefs and pompom headbands, the llamas contribute to creating a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere at the airport. Portland International Airport has collaborated with Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas to secure the service of these friendly creatures.
Apart from llama therapy, passengers can also enjoy wonderful views while waiting at the airport. The area has access to natural light and is surrounded by live trees. The llamas have been provided by a non-profit organisation run by a mother-daughter duo– Lori Gregory and Shannon Joy.
They bring the animals to the Portland airport and offer relaxation services to the passengers. Those who need to reduce anxiety and stress can play with the llama to clear their minds before or after a journey. Besides providing pets, Gregory and Joy offer services like head scratches and cuddles with their five llamas and six alpacas.
These fluffy professionals can mostly be spotted wandering through the terminals at the Portland airport. The authorities have also appointed some therapy dogs, who can also be a source of smiles and joy. All of them are part of the “just to make you smile” initiative, meant to make air travel less stressful.
The llamas don’t perform any specific task. They just have a calming presence, offering comfort to people experiencing anxiety and other mental issues. “It’s just pure joy. Travellers’ faces say it best. Being in nature is a stress reliever,” airport spokesperson Allison Ferre told NPR, as reported by the NDTV.
According to Shannon Joy, picking the right therapy llama from a herd is not as easy as it seems. As per her experience, only one in 15 llamas has the social skills to survive in a busy environment.