Argentines have turned to most unusual pandemic pets for comfort

Luciana Benetti, 16, embraces her pet pig Chanchi at home in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Natacha Pisarenko/AP)

Millions of people have found solace during the pandemic in cuddling a dog or cat. For a few, comfort comes from a horse or a pig, perhaps a possum-like sugar glider or even a tarantula.

As the new coronavirus began to circulate last year, Luciana Benetti found her plans for a big traditional 15th birthday party scrapped.