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Portland Airport Has Llamas and Alpacas to Help Calm Your Pre-Flight Nerves

Daniel Kim Views  

Prepare to be amazed: There’s an airport where llamas and alpacas roam freely indoors!

Llamas and alpacas at Portland Airport / Photo: Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas website
Llamas and alpacas at Portland Airport / Photo: Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas website

Therapy animals at Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon take passenger comfort to the next level. Imagine walking through the terminal and seeing a pair of fluffy llamas and alpacas mingling with passengers. According to Condé Nast Traveler, these charming animals create a calming atmosphere for travelers before their flights. An airport spokesperson noted that the animals have proven to be incredibly helpful for passengers experiencing pre-flight anxiety.

But these aren’t just any barnyard animals. These specially trained llamas and alpacas underwent a two-year program at the Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas Center in Washington State. A representative from the center explained, “By offering friendship and warm touch, our llamas and alpacas help alleviate loneliness, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress- their presence can bring a sense of normalcy to institutional settings.”

Llama at Portland Airport / Photo: Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas website
Llama at Portland Airport / Photo: Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas website

These animals’ magic isn’t limited to the airport. They also visit nursing homes, kindergartens, special needs facilities, and rehabilitation centers, bringing joy and comfort wherever they go. This December, the llamas and alpacas will don festive Rudolph costumes and spread holiday cheer to travelers at PDX.

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

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