Just when we thought things couldn’t get weirder in terms of identity dysphoria, here comes a literal howler. A Scottish secondary school student says they identify as a wolf, and that’s not all. The school authorities have surprisingly recognized his right to do so fueling the controversy and opening likeminded students up to what? Identifying as unicorns? It seems with animals going extinct, we might just see human zoos after all.
What is Species Dysphoria?

Species dysphoria, a term few of us would have encountered outside of quirky internet subcultures, is making headlines. The condition, akin to gender dysphoria, involves someone feeling as though they are a species other than human. These are groups of people who adopt animal personas—often referred to as ‘fursonas’—that reflect their sense of identity as non-human creatures. The occurrence of the Scottish student identifying as a wolf is the latest incident that shows how species dysphoria once seen mostly online has entered the real world in a big way
The First School to Recognize Species Dysphoria
In a bold move, the student’s school has chosen to support this identification, making it one of the first institutions to officially acknowledge species dysphoria. The child, who identifies as a wolf, is reportedly receiving counseling and other supportive measures from the school. The local authority has leaned on Scotland’s GIRFEC (Getting It Right for Every Child) framework, which encourages schools to support children’s individual needs—however unconventional those needs may seem.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, the identity of the school and student has not been revealed for security and safety. However, this official backing has raised eyebrows across the board. Critics, including clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Tommy MacKay, have openly questioned the legitimacy of species dysphoria, suggesting instead that common sense has taken a back seat in today’s increasingly fluid identity landscape.
Backlash from the Public and Experts

Not surprisingly, this decision has ruffled feathers (or should we say fur?), with reactions ranging from disbelief to outrage. The idea that students can claim to be animals has left many concerned. Some argue that schools are treading a dangerous path by encouraging such identifications. It could lead to confusion and may put students at risk of further psychological complications, as well as social ridicule.
According to the Daily Mail, Dr Mackay expressed disbelief urging for a common-sense approach, suggesting the child might need a reality check rather than support for this expression of identity. Yet, the school and local authority stand firm, emphasizing the need to hear and support the child’s voice in navigating their individual challenges.
The Rise of the Therians

This case isn’t the first time schools have had to handle peculiar identity situations. In the past year, rumors swirled about a group of students in Aberdeenshire allegedly identifying as cats, with some reports claiming students were even behaving as such. While the school was quick to deny these claims, it points to a broader cultural moment where lines between reality, fantasy, and identity are becoming increasingly blurred.
The rise of ‘therians’—humans who believe they are spiritually or mentally aligned with animals—is part of a growing trend in which people are exploring alternative identities. This phenomenon has been made more visible through social media platforms like TikTok, where ‘furries’ share their experiences and give tips on how to “come out” as non-human to family and friends.
The Role of Social Media and Pop Culture
Social media platforms have undoubtedly contributed to the mainstreaming of alternative identities, including species dysphoria. With online communities readily available to support one’s unconventional sense of self, it’s easier than ever to find others who identify in similar ways. Shows like South Park have satirized this phenomenon, reflecting society’s skepticism toward these types of identity claims.
However, while pop culture has mocked these trends, furries, therians, and those who identify as mythical creatures are becoming increasingly vocal, further pushing the boundaries of how we define self-identity.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Identity?

The case of the wolf-identified student forces us to confront some deep and uncomfortable questions. How far should society—and institutions like schools—go in supporting non-traditional identities? What are the limits to self-identification?
What do you think? Should schools support such identities? As society continues to embrace diversity, where do we draw the line between acceptance and enabling potentially harmful behaviors? The balance between supporting students’ well-being and maintaining a grip on reality is a tightrope many institutions will soon have to walk.
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