A Dutch farm is offering people the chance to hug cows as a form of therapy.
A cow
The practice, dubbed 'koe knuffelen' in Dutch, sees cow cuddlers taking a tour of the farm before spending hours embracing the cow.
The cow's warmer body temperature, slower heartbeat and large size makes hugging them a soothing experience. Participants can also give the animal a backrub and get licked by the cow.
Cuddling cows is believed to reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone that is released in social bonding.
The practice emerged in the Netherlands over a decade ago and is now part of a wider movement to bring people close to nature and country life.
Now, farms in Rotterdam, Switzerland and the United States are offering cow-hugging sessions.