For Colors magazine, photographer Jen Osborne followed two therapy llamas on their rounds:
Animals have been used in medical settings for more than a hundred years, according to NPR’s Julie Rovner, but scientists have only recently discovered the link between exposure to animals and increased oxytocin levels—which can lead to feelings of happiness and trust. Household pets like dogs and cats are commonly trained as therapy animals, as are dolphins and horses. Llamas, however, are a novelty, as Osborne found out on her one-day assignment.