London Zoo has launched a partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) to help support young patients.

The charity that runs the zoo ZSL says that an important aspect of the partnership is for its zookeepers and vets to work with children to demonstrate how animals undergo many of the same medical procedures as people.

This will be through video content available to patients on the ward, or through visits from young people to the zoo.

“At the heart of both London Zoo and Great Ormond Street Hospital is expert care,” said ZSL head of conservation education Cat Hickey.

“While one team looks after wildlife and the other cares for children, we share a belief that every individual deserves compassion, attention and the opportunity to thrive.

“We also know the powerful role nature can play in supporting wellbeing, making this a natural and meaningful partnership.

“Together, we'll create more opportunities for GOSH’s young people and families to connect with wildlife, whether that's through visits to the Zoo or by developing digital experiences for patients when getting outdoors isn't possible, helping ensure nature is accessible to everyone.”

GOSH chief of mental health Carly Vassar added: “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."

“Many of our patients need blood tests, provide stool samples, X-rays and lots of other procedures, which can be really worrying for them.

“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.”

To mark the launch children from the hospital’s Mildred Creak Unit visited the Zoo, where they met a Humboldt penguin chick, who has been named Mildred after the unit.

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