April 5, 2024 - For a few sweet hours on April 1, the CLT Canine Crew had an honorary equine member: Kiwi the miniature horse. Many people on social media thought we were horsing around since it was April Fool’s Day, but little Kiwi did in fact trot through the CLT terminal.
Travelers did double-takes as they walked by Kiwi. They stared in disbelief, then inevitably pulled out their phones to snap a photo.
Kiwi stands just 25” tall, about the same height as a golden retriever. But wearing purple shoes and a bedazzled vest, he stood out as the “mane” man at CLT.
Pianist Michael Colson provided the mood music, playing “Horse with No Name,” “Wild Horses” and “Old Town Road” during Kiwi’s visit to the Atrium.
The April Fool’s joke was that Kiwi was becoming a permanent member of the CLT Canine Crew. Unfortunately, Kiwi and his human handlers at Stampede of Love are busy helping children and adults of all abilities through animal-assisted therapy.
CLT Social Media Manager Virginia Lane came up with the idea as a way to continue the Airport’s April Fool’s day tradition while giving travelers an unexpected treat.
Previous pranks include announcing that Airport construction was complete and that CLT was removing the beloved rocking chairs. We can’t imagine either of those things ever happening.
Some reactions to Kiwi overheard in the terminal:
“Ok, now I’ve seen everything.” – Steve, American Airlines
“I’ve never seen a horse so small, but I have rode a horse so big!” - Evelina, 6 years old
“My wife’s going to want one.” – several husbands
“You made my day!” – unknown airline worker
“That’s a really big dog!” – several travelers
“I’ve never seen a horse inside an airport before!” – Edwin, traveler
“His mane was soft.” – Patrick, 4 years old
“I thought he was really cute.” – Allison, 6 years old
“Wait a second, the sign says canine but I am not looking at a canine!” – unknown traveler
Tara Needham founded Stampede of Love with her mother, Mary in 2004. Based in Raleigh, N.C., the non-profit relies on donations to fund trips to schools, hospitals, airports and other places where people need stress-relief and a smile. Watch the video about Kiwi’s visit to CLT.
- Getting Soldiers Home for the Holidays
- Preparing for Winter Weather a Team Effort
- Eyes on the Skies – Watching the Weather Important at CLT
- Planning Key to Pawtastic Experience Flying with Pets
- We’re Working Hard on the Travel Experience
- Why CLT Matters to You – Even if You Don’t Fly
- Working Dogs of CLT Play Vital Role in Airport Experience
- Bleisure Travel Grows at CLT
- A shout out to the Airport’s essential workers
- Manners, please. Remember what you were taught as children.
- Plan Ahead. Pack Your Patience. Be Kind. We’re Here to Help.
- The Coolest Place to Work? The Airport! CLT is Hiring
- Airport Home to Some of City’s Most Unique Artwork
- CLT Local – A Taste of Charlotte at a Boarding Gate Near You
- Partnership brings COVID-19 vaccinations to the CLT community
- Expect a crowd when you fly with CLT this holiday season
- Please wear a face covering. It’s the right thing to do.
- Keep it Rockin’ – Yes, it’s possible to social distance here
- What uses 128 microfiber cloths, 2,100 gloves and 192 super absorbent towels?
- Airport’s essential workers go above and beyond during pandemic
- Safe Travels Part 2: Top 7 things passengers can do to fly safely
- Two Airport partners rallying to give back to community
- Airports play important role in nation’s economy – even in a crisis
- Safe Travels: How to practice social distancing while you travel
- Chaplains reassure Airport workers and travelers during uneasy times
- "Why is the Airport closed?"