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Kanner's Companionable Zoo
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
By: Devereux Kanner
A Nature Center that Nurtures (Pennsylvania)
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Devereux Kanner
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Walking around Devereux Kanner Center’s Zoo Program, one hears the sounds of exotic birds, kittens meowing, the gurgle of fish tanks, ponies whinnying, and most of all, the gales of laughter from Devereux children providing care and nurturing. The zoo is home to over 50 different animals including exotic rabbits, birds, a huge turtle, kittens, miniature ponies, peacocks and pot-bellied pigs.
Devereux Zoo coordinator, Dan O’Brien, is enthusiastic in his praise of his Kanner Nurture Center students, “These adolescents learn a great deal about responsibility, planning and attachment here. Lessons that might often be difficult to learn in more conventional classes or therapy are learned more easily in the Nurture Center. Some of our students, who were difficult to reach through the customary approaches, have blossomed socially and emotionally through our program. The zoo has a ‘wow’ factor for our kids.”
The zoo program is often technically referred to as animalassisted therapy. The approach is innovative and has been effective in reaching children and adolescents with emotional and developmental challenges. The program’s objectives are matched to each child’s treatment plan and progress is tracked and recorded. Overall, the zoo’s curriculum teaches children about animals and animal care, while using the environment to slip in math, language and vocational skills training. Problem solving and research skills are taught, as well as impulse control, personal responsibility and respect for others. Students learn to take care of the animals and all the administrative duties that come along with the zoo.
“My students start each day with a well-planned schedule of events and responsibilities. They do everything from answering the phones to caring for and feeding the animals. They learn to work well as members of a team and to rely upon each other.
O’Brien adds, “This year we were the beneficiary of a generous donation from a wonderful lady in the local community. We’re looking forward to adding more animals and expanding our facilities.” |
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