Inside the Convention Where 2,000 Furries Come to Party!

A world in which animals roam the streets on two legs and share a good laugh over cocktails with their buds after work — this is the life of a furry.

Berlin's Estrel Hotel became a playground for nearly 2000 self-identifying furries from August 20 to 24 for the 20th annual Eurofurence, the largest furry convention outside of the United States and the longest running convention of its type in the world.

Furry fandom, a term used since 1983 refers to a subculture whose followers express an interest in anthropomorphic, or half-human, half-animal, creatures in literature, cartoons, pop culture, or other artistic contexts.

This year's events included special "guests of honor" including Ursula Vernon, author and illustrator of the graphic novel Digger; Kyell Gold, author of gay furry erotica including The Prisoner's Release; and Sardyuon, a furry juggler and acrobat.

As a yearly tradition, Eurofurence also orchestrated a charity auction, asking participants to donate artwork and rare items. This year's proceeds went to Stiftung Fledermaus, a German foundation that aims to protect bats from extinction through research and public engagement.

Police officers halt traffic as delegates to the Eurofurence, "Europe's biggest furry convention" arrive at the conference hotel in Berlin.
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Eurofurence's organizers describe attendees as "a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers, and just everyday fans who enjoy cartoon animals and their kind."
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Furries greet one another at the conference. The earliest citation of anthropomorphic literature regularly cited by furry fans is Aesop's Fables, dating to around 500 BC.
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A Furry enthusiast attends the Eurofurence 2014 conference. Many but not all of the followers of the movement wear furry animal costumes.
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Delegates to the Eurofurence, "Europe's biggest furry convention" pose for a picture in front of the conference hotel in Berlin.
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Some furry enthusiasts take a more casual approach to cosplay. The anthronthropomorphic character created by fans is known as a fursona.
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A furry enthusiast collects money for charity during the Eurofurence 2014 conference. This year's proceeds went to Stiftung Fledermaus, which helps protect the bat population.
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Furry enthusiasts take a break between events at the conference. Attendees enjoy a weekend of workshops, panel discussions, art exhibitions, dances, parties and more.
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A furry enthusiast holds a camera while attending the conference. Furry fandom is also known as furrydom, furridom, fur fandom or furdom.
Image: Adam Berry/Getty Images