Education Support Team

All Creatures Great and Small..

One of the joys of Carlsrhue is the opportunity for the children (and staff) to interact with the animals. I’d like to share some of the benefits our students get from handling and caring for animals.

• Animals give unconditional love. They are non-judgmental, and especially for lonely or distressed children, an animal gives them someone to talk to. A pet can comfort and listen to a child's troubles without judgment.
• Being respectful and gentle to animals is believed to encourage empathy towards other humans and animals.
• Interaction with animals tends to improve a child’s mood and promote positive emotions.
• Animals have calming qualities; even a guinea pig on a child's lap brings de-stressing benefits as they stroke its soft fur.
• Feeding the animals and cleaning their cages are great ways for children to learn about responsibility. They must consider the wellbeing of the animals.