San Francisco International Airport has introduced the world’s first-ever airport therapy pig. The pig is called LiLou. According to CNN, LiLou is a pig that is dressed up and has been trained to perform various tricks for passing travelers.
The pig is part of a fairly new psychological program, dubbed the “Wag Brigade,” and forms part of an Animal Assisted Therapy program. The Wag Brigade recruits dogs, cats and other animals to roam the airport and comfort stressed-out travelers. The activities are sanctioned by the airport authorities as a way of helping passengers manage the increased stress associated with air travel.
To date the airport has 300 dog, cat and rabbit volunteer teams who roam the airport seeking to entertain travelers. This program has been running since 2013, and the animals used are selected for their temperament and airport suitability. The scheme is run by San Francisco SPCA, which is a community-supported nonprofit organization.
Dr. Jennifer Henley, who is the Animal Assisted Therapy manager, explains more about LiLou in an interview hosted by the San Francisco International Airport website: “LiLou is the first pig in our program. It’s wonderful to witness the surprise and delight that LiLou brings to people during therapy visits.”
Fans of LiLou can visit an Instagram page dedicated to the exploits of the new addition to the airport team.
While the scheme is backed by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, quite what those who are concerned about the use of animals in captivity think about anthropomorphically dressing a pig up in clothes, painting its nails and getting it to perform tricks for treats is uncertain.