When an airport has service animals, they are typically dogs. But in Portland, things are weird, keeping with the slogan “Keep Portland Weird.” At Portland International Airport (PDX), there are llamas and alpacas that serve as therapy animals.
About the llamas
According to Willamette Weekly, llamas have been part of PDX’s history for a few years. Their first appearance was at an employee event celebrating the opening of Concourse E. The animals returned in 2023 during the holiday season,
“It was a particularly great way to spread cheer and help passengers de-stress during the busy holiday travel season. The llamas and alpacas deliver instant joy and will be back in 2024 as part of the ongoing therapy animal program at a more regular cadence.” – Allison Ferre, Media Relations Port of Portland
The llamas and alpacas are from Portland Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas in Washington state. The farm was founded several years ago in 2002, and in 2007, Lory Gregory & Shannon Joy, a mother/daughter duo, began taking their animals to senior communities, special-needs groups, and schools for therapeutic and educational interaction. Four years after that, they connected the farm to the Classy Camelids, LLC business.
According to the farm’s website, these meet-and-greet style appearances financially support volunteer efforts at the non-profit (the farm). The farm is a faith-based non-profit,
