A Humboldt penguin chick has been named after a children’s hospital unit.
The penguin, named Mildred at London Zoo, is part of a new partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to support young patients through nature-based activities and psychological interventions.
The chick was named after GOSH’s Mildred Creak Unit following a visit from children at the hospital to Penguin Beach, where they fed and provided enrichment for the penguins. The visit also marked the start of the partnership, in ZSL’s 200th anniversary year.
Read more
Incredible images revive London's lost river that flows from Hampstead Heath
The new north London bakery where you can enjoy delicious pastries with vinyl tunes
Carly Vassar, Chief of Mental Health at GOSH, said: "Children and young people at our hospital often have really challenging journeys and they’ve told us they can feel lonely or isolated, which has a serious impact on their mental and physical health.
"We hope that by giving them the chance to see animals having the same tests it helps make them feel more normal and eases their anxiety in a new fun way."
The collaboration aims to help children understand and process medical treatments through the lens of animal care.
The project will also help GOSH patients learn about veterinary care and animal treatment through visits and digital content.
Share