Llamas and Alpacas Bring Joy to Travelers at Portland Airport
In a delightful scene at the Portland International Airport, Beni the llama and Captain Jack the alpaca, part of the airport’s animal therapy program, recently captured the hearts of travelers. As they made their way through the terminal with their handlers, the hustle and bustle of the airport came to a halt.
A Magical Encounter
People paused in their tracks, captivated by the sight of the gentle animals. Some pulled out their phones to capture the moment, while others lined up for a chance to take a photo with the llamas. The emotional impact was evident; one traveler, Lori Sackett, expressed her joy, saying, “What a gift.” Having previously worked with llamas in a 4-H group, Sackett felt a deep connection to the animals and looked forward to sharing the experience with her daughter.
Many travelers described the encounter as “magical,” a sentiment echoed throughout the crowd as they reached out to pet the llamas and alpacas. Allison Ferre, spokesperson for the Port of Portland, explained that these visits are part of the airport’s initiative to alleviate travel-related stress, creating a calming environment with the presence of therapy animals.
The Benefits of Animal Therapy
The airport’s animal therapy program aims to provide comfort to travelers, recognizing that air travel can be anxiety-inducing. While the soothing effects of animals in therapeutic settings are acknowledged, research is still limited, with most studies focusing on dogs. Nancy Gee, Director of the Center for Human Animal Interaction, noted that more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of therapy animals.
Despite the lack of extensive studies, the immediate positive reactions from travelers are hard to ignore. Many expressed their delight and amazement at the animals’ presence, with some asserting that interacting with llamas and alpacas is an extraordinary experience compared to traditional therapy animals.
Selecting the Right Animals
Not all llamas and alpacas are suited for therapy work. Shannon Joy, co-owner of Mountain Peaks Therapy, explained that they seek out animals that display curiosity and confidence in interacting with humans. The training process for therapy animals is rigorous, requiring them to adapt to being handled by numerous people. Joy estimates that only about one in 15 llamas and one in 75 alpacas have the necessary temperament for this role.
One of the fun highlights of the experience is the “carrot kisses,” where travelers can offer a carrot from their mouth to the animals. Varun Kataria, initially apprehensive, took the plunge and shared a carrot with Beni. After the encounter, he remarked that he felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, illustrating the therapeutic potential of such interactions.
Conclusion
The visits from Beni and Captain Jack provide not just a moment of joy and distraction for travelers but also serve as a reminder of the comfort animals can bring in high-stress environments. As travelers continue to embrace these unique encounters, the magic of therapy animals shines brightly at the Portland International Airport, proving that sometimes, a little llama love is all it takes to brighten a journey.