The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Stressed out students go animal crackers
Wellbeing campaign aims to relax students at exam time with alpaca sessions
We all know how stressful exams can be.
But at Dundee University students got to relax ahead of their assessments by petting alpacas on campus.
The fluffy creatures descended on the university as part of Dee-stress, a wellbeing campaign organised by the students’ union.
Animal lovers had the chance to enter the pen in groups of four and spend time with the alpacas, who are looked after by Bowbridge Farm in Fife.
Thara Packiahrajah, vice-president of the student welfare committee, said: “This was one of the events for stress relief that we have on campus.
“Normally we bring in dogs from the Guide Dog Society, but this year for the first time we decided to go with alpacas.
“We got the idea after seeing them on campus at St Andrews University as part of a charity event. It seems to be wellreceived so far!”
Students were encouraged to Using animals to boost morale is a wellestablished practice, dating back to the 18th Century.
I knew about the benefits of dogs, but alpacas were new territory to me – so when I heard Dundee University was bringing in a herd, I had to have a look. approach the alpacas slowly and never from behind, as the animals are known to kick.
Farm manager Sarah Johnson said: “Alpacas are becoming very popular and are used more and more in therapy.
“They are very good for stress relief as they’re curious animals and very entertaining to watch.
“We also brought in activities needle felting with alpaca fleece.”
One of the students who got to pet the alpacas was Elina Harkonen, 22.
The psychology student said: “I thought it was very cool. I’ve grown up around horses and the rules are similar, such as not to approach from behind.
“The alpacas were so fluffy and definitely feel more relaxed!” like
IInitially I was nervous as I was led into their enclosure. I’d been told they can kick and spit, so I had a brief moment of panic when they walked over to me.
I soon relaxed when I saw how friendly and curious they were. Some allowed themselves to be petted more than others, and the handlers were there to advise on the best way to approach them.
Although I don’t have any exam pressure in my life right now, the alpacas did give me a break from the daily routine of work and deadlines.
They really were as soft and fluffy as they look!