Labour's new health minister Ashley Dalton has sparked controversy by expressing support for people who identify as llamas, stating they deserve "dignity and respect".
The stance has drawn attention to a growing community of individuals who reject their human identity in favour of animal personas.
While identifying as a llama may seem unusual to many, it forms part of an expanding movement where people align themselves more closely with various animals than with humans.
This phenomenon has gained traction worldwide, with individuals choosing to identify as cats, dogs, horses, and in at least one documented case, a llama.
Many express their chosen identities through wearing animal masks
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Online communities have emerged where thousands of young people, known as 'therians' or 'furries', share experiences and advice about their animal identities.
These groups discuss various aspects of their lifestyle, including "trotting", feeding habits, and strategies for requesting litter tray accommodations in schools and workplaces.
Therians experience a deep, innate connection to their animal identity, whilst furries view their animal persona as a character, sometimes with sexual elements.
Many express their chosen identities by wearing animal masks, with dogs and cats being popular choices. Some identify as foxes, wolves, or even extinct creatures.
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Ashley Dalton has sparked controversy by expressing support for people who identify as llamas
PAThese individuals can be found across various demographics, from adults who periodically dress as pets for 'escapism' to schoolchildren who reject human identification.
The trend has begun to influence institutional policies, with several UK schools making accommodations for students with "species dysphoria".
Three Scottish schools have reportedly allowed pupils to identify as non-human creatures, sparking public outrage.
The movement has also gained traction in entertainment spaces, with US singer Dorian Electra making headlines for adding litter trays to venue toilets.
In a notable TikTok video, Electra was seen modifying bathroom signage, replacing "all gender restrooms" with "species".
Dalton has sparked controversy by expressing support for people who identify as llamas
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One American woman has caused a sensation online after claiming to identify as a llama.
The user, known on TikTok as "punk.rock.llama" posted a video in which she filmed herself puppeteering as a llama.
She captioned the video: "I identify as a llama, a threat, and A Bit Much."
Some teenagers have been filming themselves ecstatic to return home from school where they can become their "real" animal persona again.
Meanwhile, guides on how to "come out" to parents about their animal identities have also started popping up on the popular app.
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