In parks across Buenos Aires, clusters of teenagers don masks, tails, and ears, sprinting on all fours, climbing trees, or leaping over makeshift obstacles. At first glance, it might look like imaginative play — but for the teens involved, it’s about much more than that.
Many participants describe the meetups as a space to express parts of themselves and connect with peers who share similar feelings or symbolic bonds with animals. For some, it’s occasional self-expression; for others, it’s a playful exploration of creativity.
Finding Community Through Unusual Expression
The gatherings have become increasingly visible online, often tagged with #therian, which has amassed over 2 million posts in Argentina. Teens like Aguara, who identifies with a Belgian Malinois, say the experience is not constant but provides moments where they feel more aligned with their animal persona.
Others, like 16-year-old Aru, approach it as creative fun rather than literal identification. “It’s not necessarily about identifying as an animal,” she explains. “It’s about enjoying the expression and the play.”
For many participants, the real appeal lies in community. The meetups offer a space where they feel understood and accepted in ways that might be harder to find elsewhere.
Perspectives From Experts
Psychologists note the behavior is generally symbolic and not a cause for concern. Débora Pedace, a Buenos Aires-based psychologist, says, “From a psychological standpoint, this is a symbolic identification with an animal. It becomes alarming only when a person fully assumes the role of an animal.”
Experts view this as part of typical adolescent experimentation with identity and social connection. For most teens, these gatherings provide a safe outlet to explore personal expression and belonging.
Why It Matters
This trend sheds light on how modern adolescents navigate identity in a connected world. Online subcultures, symbolic play, and shared rituals can create meaningful social bonds, offering teens a sense of acceptance and understanding even in unconventional ways.
For teens like Aguara, it’s a simple way to express themselves — a reminder that identity can be fluid, playful, and deeply personal.
