A pig has landed a job at San Francisco international airport (SFO).
LiLou, a Juliana-breed pig, has become a member of the airport’s ‘Wag Brigade’ team of pets and becomes the first known airport ‘therapy pig’ in the US, and promises to surprise passengers “with her winning personality, charming costumes, and painted nails”.
LiLou loves performing tricks for her audience, and also visits several other facilities in San Francisco including senior citizen centres and hospitals, according to the airport.
The SFO Wag Brigade has been bringing trained animals to the airport terminals for three years.
Animal protection organisation, the San Francisco SPCA, certifies all animals prior to walking airport terminals.
Carefully selected for their temperament and airport suitability, animals wear vests that read “Pet Me!” to encourage interaction with passengers.
Airport guest experience director Christopher Birch said: “Since its launch in 2013, the SFO Wag Brigade has become a favourite amenity among travellers.
“With the addition of LiLou, we can look forward to more moments of surprise and delight for guests at our airport.”
“We have more than 300 dog, cat and rabbit volunteer teams, but LiLou is the first pig in our program,” said Dr Jennifer Henley, animal assisted therapy manager at San Francisco SPCA. “It’s wonderful to witness the surprise and delight that LiLou brings to people during therapy visits.”