channelize to the airport is n’t a pleasant experience for some passengers . Braving traffic , support through theTSA line , and find the right gate is stressful enough — then there ’s the anxiety around the flight of stairs itself . The process can be overwhelming for anyone , buta llama and an alpacaat the Portland International Airport are make it easier .
concord toNPR , Beni the llama and Captain Jack the Lama pacos are part of the airport ’s animal therapy program . They visit the Oregon traveling hub every few weeks to bring grinning to the faces of harried travelers .
The woolly-haired beast inhabit on a farm calledMountain Peaks Therapyin Ridgefield , Washington . The ranch houses five llamas and six alpaca who take twist visiting older biotic community , health care facilities , parties , and other home where their presence provides fun and comfort . The nonprofit farm has also welcomed visitant for private tours in the past .
Shannon Joy , co - owner of Mountain Peaks Therapy , distinguish NPR that llamas and alpacas are typically “ very herd tailor ” and “ feel safer amongst their equal . ” She works with local stock breeder to find llamas and alpacas that are of course peculiar about people , which reach them a good fit for therapy body of work . They must also go through training before becoming prescribed therapy animal . This include instruct to stand petting and hugging from random hoi polloi . Joy posit , “ It ’s maybe one in 15 llama that are run to have that degree of confidence and bodily liberty . ” It ’s even rarer for alpaca at one in 75 .
Business Insiderreports that animate being therapy studies show “ minor to reasonably positive effects ” on individual with various mental sickness . It can boost moods , lower anxiety , and provide a beguilement in stressful time . Most research focuses on therapy dogs , however , and more study need to be done on the effects of other species .
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