Tzohar Halev, a non-profit organization in Israel that operates a network of special education institutions, rehabilitative work centers and housing facilities around the country, has announced a new initiative in which special needs children care for wounded and “special needs” animals.
The therapeutic zoo, called Ohel Dov, or Dov’s Tent, is located in the southern city of Ashdod. It is home to some 50 animals including special birds, hamsters, snakes and chickens. The animals, suffering from a number of conditions such as depression, abuse and eating disorders, come to the center from animal hospitals and SPCA Israel, in an effort to provide rehabilitation. For example, one parrot was abandoned by its owner and reacted to the trauma by plucking its own feathers. There are rabbits that were born with physical abnormalities and a dove born prematurely.
Full Story (Israel National News)
