Traveling can be a stressful time, especially for travelers navigating crowded airports.
Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon has found a unique way to help passengers manage their stress: therapy llamas. Over three visits this month, Beni and Prince, two 400-pound gentle giants, have been offering their special brand of comfort to travelers.
“You can hug them close, and their thick fiber is so soft,” said Lori Gregory, president and founder of Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas. “They’re just very unique animals compared to most other therapy animals. They got the total package.”
Therapy Llamas at Portland International Airport
Portland’s quirky spirit shines through. While many airports use decorations, music, and therapy dogs to create a calming atmosphere during the holidays, PDX goes a step further by inviting llamas.
This initiative is part of the airport’s ongoing partnership with various therapy animal programs. According to Allison Ferre, media relations manager with the Port of Portland, “When we were bringing back holiday concessions programming, we just thought, ‘Who better to lead that parade than the llamas and alpacas?’”
This year, Beni and Prince donned festive reindeer-themed attire, complete with antler headbands, glittery halters, tinkling bells, and poinsettia-adorned wreaths. They even wore red velvet banners inscribed with their names and silvery snowflakes, making them the center of attention during their visits.
A Fluffy Solution to Travel Stress
During their two-hour appearances, the llamas were treated like celebrities, complete with valet parking and paparazzi. Travelers were encouraged to hug and pose for selfies with the llamas, who seemed to enjoy the attention. In one memorable moment, a distressed passenger found solace in hugging Beni after her flight was delayed due to fog in Seattle. The emotional scene was captured in a viral TikTok video, highlighting the powerful impact of these therapy animals.
Gregory emphasized that llamas are often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, they are gentle creatures that do not typically spit, jump on people, or bite. Instead, they are curious and enjoy interacting with new people, which makes them perfect for therapy work.
An Ongoing Tradition
The success of this program ensures that Beni, Prince, and their fellow therapy llamas will continue to be a fixture at PDX, especially during the holiday season. “The llamas deliver instant joy,” Ferre noted, adding that they have been well-received by both travelers and airport staff.
Shannon Joy, who helps care for the llamas with her mother Lori, described the positive effect the llamas have on people. “Everyone has that resting face of ‘let me try to get through to my destination,’ and then, all of a sudden, they come across a big fluffy llama that they’re encouraged to hug. There’s this wave of relief. You can see the whole body change.”
A Unique Experience at PDX
Seeing llamas wandering through an airport might seem unusual, but for Portland, it fits perfectly with the city’s quirky reputation. The airport’s social media channels were abuzz with positive reactions. They showcased the joy and smiles the llamas brought to the bustling terminals.
For those who can’t wait until the next holiday season to experience the calming presence of therapy llamas, Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas offers free therapy sessions at their farm in Ridgefield, Washington. Appointments can be made in advance to meet these gentle creatures and enjoy their comforting presence.
As Joy puts it, “For whatever reason, seeing llamas wandering around PDX makes sense to people.” The sight of these fluffy animals brings a touch of joy and relief to the hectic holiday travel experience, making them a beloved part of Portland’s airport community.
How do you feel about llama therapy? Would you be up for a hug? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments.
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