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A llama has been hailed as a “morale booster” after it showed up at a Black Lives Matter protest.
As demonstrations take place around the world following the death of George Floyd in police custody , a group in Oregon were joined by the furry animal.
Caesar the llama was brought along to a Portland protest by owner Larry McCool to “amplify the work being done” by activists in the local area.
The pet who resides at the Mystic Llama Farm works as a therapy animal and has visited schools and blood donation events in the past.
Protester at the march Nakaycha Dent said: “Everyone was immediately all smiles as soon as they saw him galloping past, everyone was shocked there was a llama but you could definitely feel the positive vibe he brought to the crowd.
“Some people say that it wasn’t safe to bring an animal, but I think the fact that we had successfully had two or three peaceful protests into downtown Portland, people were much more willing to get involved and march and show solidarity.”
Police officers take the knee in support of George Floyd protesters
Another protestor Caitlin Reasor said: “Everyone seemed really happy to have him there, even those who were confused by his presence.
“He was definitely a good morale booster.”
She added: “I was only there for about two hours but it was an extremely peaceful and positive protest, those leading it made sure to talk about the impact of police brutality and bring up many of the hundreds of names of people who fall victim to it every day.”
Protests have also been taking place in the UK and those taking part have been urged to keep two metres apart.
Thousands gathered in London’s Hyde Park for a demonstration on Wednesday, attended by Star Wars actor John Boyega, who gave an emotive address to the crowd.
