{"id":236326,"date":"2026-04-23T21:41:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T21:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/23\/llamas-in-sweaters-inside-portland-airports-viral-therapy-animal-program-that-helps-travelers-relax\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T21:41:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T21:41:04","slug":"llamas-in-sweaters-inside-portland-airports-viral-therapy-animal-program-that-helps-travelers-relax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/23\/llamas-in-sweaters-inside-portland-airports-viral-therapy-animal-program-that-helps-travelers-relax\/","title":{"rendered":"Llamas in Sweaters? Inside Portland Airport\u2019s Viral Therapy Animal Program That Helps Travelers Relax"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you\u2019ve ever felt the stress of navigating a busy airport terminal, imagine turning a corner and finding a six-foot-tall llama dressed as a pirate waiting to greet you.<\/p>\n

That scene is a regular reality at Portland International Airport, where therapy llamas and alpacas visit about once a month as part of an animal-assisted therapy program that launched in 2023. The animals come from Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas<\/a>, a nonprofit based in Ridgefield, Washington, and their mission is simple: help travelers relax.<\/p>\n

A One-of-a-Kind Welcome From Llamas at Portland International Airport<\/h2>\n

During each visit, which lasts about 1.5 hours, handlers accompany the animals through the terminal and entrance areas, giving passengers a chance to pet, hug and interact with the gentle creatures. Some visitors opt for a \u201ccarrot kiss,\u201d feeding a carrot to one of the animals by hand or mouth. Each animal even comes with a collectible trading card.<\/p>\n

The llamas and alpacas \u2014 collectively known as camelids \u2014 can stand up to about six feet tall and weigh up to roughly 450 pounds. They often arrive dressed in themed costumes, from pirates to cowboys, adding to the whimsy.<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Cape May Zoo Welcomes 2 New Capybara Pups Born in April<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tTwo tiny capybara pups are the newest residents at the Cape May County Park and Zoo after mother Buttercup gave birth on April 14, the zoo announced in a news release. The pups mark the second litter for Buttercup, who also delivered two pups in October. The father of both litters is Goomba, the resident [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Molly Prescott<\/strong>, an airport spokesperson, told USA TODAY<\/a> that the program fits the airport\u2019s personality.<\/p>\n

\u201cPDX is known for doing things differently, and the llamas and alpacas \u2013 with their gentle nature and quirky personalities \u2013 have reached icon status in the airport, beloved by all,\u201d Prescott said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing quite like the delight and surprise you\u2019ll see on people\u2019s faces when they encounter the llamas and alpacas for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Llama Therapy Program Is More Than Just Fun for Travelers<\/h2>\n

While the visits bring plenty of smiles, the program serves a deeper purpose. Lori Gregory<\/strong>, owner of Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas, told USA TODAY that reducing stress and anxiety for travelers is at the heart of every visit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole purpose of the therapy is to help with anxiety and de-stress, so I\u2019m always watchful,\u201d Gregory said.<\/p>\n

She noted that not everyone at the airport is traveling for happy reasons.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get quite a few people traveling for not-fun reasons, they\u2019re going to visit their loved one for the last time, or they\u2019re going to a funeral or you know, things that are hard. We always try to watch for those people to give them extra time with the animal and just express our love and care.\u201d<\/p>\n

How the Llama Therapy Program at All Started<\/h2>\n

Gregory\u2019s family was first introduced to llamas through a school program, an experience that changed the course of their lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe decided to join that to learn about these animals and just fell in love,\u201d Gregory told USA TODAY.<\/p>\n

Their first llama, Shania \u2014 named after Shania Twain<\/strong> \u2014 had a sweet personality that inspired the family to pursue therapy work with the animals.<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>These 2 Giant Pandas Are Starting to Flirt Like Teenagers<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tSomething exciting is unfolding at the Smithsonian\u2019s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. \u2014 and it involves two giant pandas who appear to be falling for each other. Bao Li and Qing Bao, both 4 years old, have been showing unmistakable signs of a budding romance. While they\u2019re not yet old enough to breed, their zookeepers [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Llama Program Is Home to a Star Named Rojo<\/h2>\n

Among the nonprofit\u2019s animals, one stands out in particular. Rojo, a llama purchased in 2002, weighs roughly 350 to 400 pounds and has a temperament Gregory describes as gentle, \u201cdoglike\u201d and people-friendly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd never grew out of that doglike personality and people-friendly personality,\u201d Gregory said.<\/p>\n

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